Physical Health Venezuela Project #57938

The value of a breath

by Friends of the Children of Venezuela

Project Report | Sep 7, 2023
Project Report Sept23

By Maria Polanco | Project Leader

The Pediatric Pulmonary Function Unit within the Pulmonology department is equipped with a dedicated physical space furnished with a Resmon Pro oscillometer, a state-of-the-art Spiroscout spirometer that meets the criteria set by the American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society from 2019, a conventional Medgraphs spirometer, and a high-precision Nonin pulse oximeter.

During the first two quarters, a total of 356 patients have been assessed for spirometry.

Reason for Spirometry Consultation. January-August 2023

Condition: Asthma #130 (36.51%)

Condition: Complicated Pneumonia #78 (21.91%)

Condition: Preoperative Evaluation for Renal Pathology #12 (3.37%)

Condition: Preoperative Evaluation for Congenital Malformations #32 (8.98%)

Condition: Preoperative Evaluation for Oncological Processes #8 (2.24%)

Condition: Post-COVID-19 Restrictive Processes #26 (7.30%)

Condition: Cystic Fibrosis #72 (20.22%)

TOTAL #356 (100%)

In the case of patients under 5 years of age and patients experiencing difficulty in performing spirometry with suspected airway resistance, a total of 43 oscillometries were conducted

Reason for Oscillometry Consultation. January-August 2023

Condition: Bronchial Obstructive Syndromes Under Evaluation #19 (44.18%)
Condition: Asthma #12 (27.90%)
Condition: Cystic Fibrosis #8 (18.70%)
Condition: Preoperative Evaluation for Renal Processes #4 (9.40%)

Total #43 (100%)

Pulse oximetry measurements were performed on a total of 310 hospitalized and outpatient patients with different medical conditions. The breakdown of patients evaluated is described next.

Reason for Pulse Oximetry Measurement. January-August 2023

Condition: Severe Pneumonia #12 (3.89%)
Condition: Complicated Pneumonia #35 (11.29%)
Condition: Uncomplicated Pneumonia #40 (12.91%)
Condition: Obstructive Respiratory Conditions #74 (23.81%)
Condition: COVID-19 #26 (8.39%)
Condition: Congenital Malformations #32 (10.34%)
Condition: Cystic Fibrosis #35 (11.29%)
Condition: Preoperative Assessments #56 (18.08%)

TOTAL #310 (100%)

The completion of all these studies has allowed:

a) Timely diagnosis and, therefore, the initiation of effective treatment in obstructive and restrictive airway conditions (such as asthma, neuromuscular diseases, and cystic fibrosis).

b) Expedited surgical interventions for patients with various medical conditions through timely preoperative assessments (including renal procedures like hemodialysis and kidney transplants, oncological procedures such as bone marrow transplants and tumor resections, and corrective surgeries for congenital malformations such as maxillofacial deformities, pulmonary cysts, rib and spine pathologies).

c) Detection of post-infectious sequelae, including post-pneumonia restrictive processes, pleural effusions, and post-COVID-19 infections.

d) Training of postgraduate students in Pediatric Pulmonology in the administration of Pulmonary Function Tests.

We extend our gratitude to the Foundation Friends of the Hospital and the Friends of Children of Venezuela Foundation, who, through the "El Valor de un Respiro" project, have made it possible to enhance the quality of care for our children in the state of Carabobo by providing equipment. Our mission remains incomplete, and we aim to acquire exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) measurement equipment and ultrasound studies to further enhance and optimize these diagnostic tests.

Dr. Jacqueline Parra
Pediatric Pulmonologist
Adjunct to the Pediatric Pulmonology Service
Dr. Enrique Tejera Hospital City

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