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Respiratory viruses in the intensive care unit
Michael Roe1, D Roddy O'Donnell, Robert C Tasker
1Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, CB2 2QQ, Cambridge, UK.
Paediatric Respiratory Reviews
|July 26, 2003
Summary
This review classifies intensive care unit respiratory syndromes by physiological abnormality, aiding ventilator support. Respiratory syncytial virus, a common winter illness, is detailed.
Area of Science:
- Intensive care medicine
- Pediatric respiratory diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Respiratory viruses present diverse clinical syndromes in intensive care units (ICUs).
- Common syndromes include upper airway issues, lower airway problems (shunt or hyperinflation), and breathing control disturbances.
- A pragmatic classification focusing on physiological abnormalities aids treatment and ventilator management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review clinical syndromes caused by respiratory viruses in the ICU.
- To provide a detailed account of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a prevalent winter illness.
Main Methods:
- Pragmatic classification of respiratory syndromes based on physiological abnormalities.
- Review of existing literature on viral respiratory illnesses in ICUs.
- Focused review on respiratory syncytial virus.
Main Results:
- Respiratory viruses can manifest with similar clinical pictures, necessitating a structured approach.
- Classification aids in identifying the primary physiological issue for targeted treatment.
- Respiratory syncytial virus is identified as a frequently diagnosed winter respiratory illness.
Conclusions:
- A physiological classification system improves the management of respiratory viral syndromes in ICUs.
- Understanding these syndromes is crucial for optimizing ventilator support.
- Respiratory syncytial virus warrants specific attention due to its commonality.