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Characteristics and Outcomes of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Patients Admitted to an Intensive Care

Fahad Al-Hameed1, Ali S Wahla2, Shakeel Siddiqui3

  • 1Department of Intensive Care, King Abdul-Aziz Medical City (KAMC-WR), National Guard Health Affairs, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia King Saud bin Abdul-Aziz University for Health sciences (KSAU-HS), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia These authors contributed equally to the work and are co-authors.

Journal of Intensive Care Medicine
|April 12, 2015
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in intensive care units (ICUs) leads to severe illness and high mortality. Many patients develop multiorgan system failure (MOSF), highlighting the need for improved MERS-CoV management strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Critical care medicine
  • Infectious diseases
  • Virology

Background:

  • Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) has emerged as a significant public health concern since 2012.
  • Increasing MERS-CoV infections necessitate understanding outcomes in critically ill patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the clinical features and outcomes of MERS-CoV patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).
  • To identify risk factors and complications associated with severe MERS-CoV illness.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study of MERS-CoV confirmed cases admitted to ICU between March 20, 2014, and June 1, 2014.
  • Recording of presenting symptoms, comorbid conditions, and ICU stay details.

Main Results:

  • Eight MERS-CoV patients were admitted to ICU; 7 required mechanical ventilation due to respiratory distress.
  • Six patients had comorbid conditions; 5 developed multiorgan system failure (MOSF).
  • Mortality rate was high, with 5 deaths, 2 discharges, and 1 patient remaining intubated.

Conclusions:

  • MERS-CoV infection carries a high mortality rate in ICU patients, often complicated by MOSF.
  • Optimal management guidelines for critically ill MERS-CoV patients require further investigation.
Keywords:
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirusintensive carerespiratory failure

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