An analysis of the causes and outcome of patients with Hemoptysis in an ICU

<bold>Background:</bold> Hemoptysis is common, and sometimes life threatening respiratory complaint, requiring Intensive care and blood transfusions. The causes and pathophysiology range from alveolar bleeding in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) to bronchial injury, representing a challenge to manage. The bronchial arteries cause 85% of hemorrhage. A multidisciplinary approach is needed in management of these patients. Bronchial Artery Embolisation (BAE) is a treatment modality for patients with bleed from a bronchial artery. <bold>Objectives:</bold> To analyse and correlate the causes and mortality rate of hemoptysis in an Intensive Care Unit, and analyse the effectiveness and success of BAE <bold>Methods:</bold> Haemoptysis cases admitted in Intensive Care Unit from Jan 2020 to Dec 2023 were identified from data & analysed for demographic data, clinical details, & outcomes. <bold>Result:</bold> 412 hemoptysis cases were seen in 4-year period (mean – 103 cases/year), with average age 39 years. There were 134 females and 278 males. The most common cause was Post Tuberculosis Sequelae (34.2%), followed by ARDS (30.3%). Lung Cancer (46.6%) had maximum mortality, followed by ARDS (40.8%). A total of 20 cases had specific site of bleeding, most of them being Pulmonary Tuberculosis (10), and Post Tuberculosis Sequelae (7). BAE was attempted in these patients, with success rate of 90%, and only 2 deaths. <bold>Conclusions:</bold> Hemoptysis has significant variation in mortality, according to cause, and requires urgent diagnosis and management of underlying disease. Post Tuberculosis Sequelae and Pulmonary Tuberculosis patients often have a specific site of bleeding, and BAE in such patients is an effective management method.