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Updated: Dec 24, 2025
Halogenated Agent Delivery in Porcine Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome via an Intensive Care Unit Type Device
Published on: September 24, 2020
German recommendations for critically ill patients with COVID‑19
Stefan Kluge1,2,3,4, Uwe Janssens5,6,7, Tobias Welte8,7
1German Society of Medical Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internistische Intensivmedizin und Notfallmedizin [DGIIN]), Berlin, Germany. skluge@uke.de.
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, leads to critical illness in 5% of patients, often requiring intensive care due to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Supportive care, including oxygenation, early intubation, and prone positioning, is crucial for managing hypoxemic COVID-19 patients.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
- Pulmonology
Background:
- The global emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has led to a pandemic of COVID-19.
- While most cases are mild, approximately 5% develop critical illness requiring intensive care.
- Critical illness is characterized by acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, often progressing to ARDS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the critical care management of hypoxemic patients with COVID-19.
- To emphasize supportive strategies for managing severe respiratory illness.
- To highlight infection control measures in the context of aerosol-generating procedures.
Main Methods:
- Focus on supportive care for adequate oxygenation.
- Implementation of early intubation strategies.
- Application of repeated prone positioning for hypoxemic respiratory failure.
Main Results:
- Patients with severe COVID-19 frequently develop ARDS.
- Early intubation and prone positioning are key interventions.
- Adherence to infection control and PPE use is vital.
Conclusions:
- There is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19; supportive care is paramount.
- Management of severe COVID-19 focuses on maintaining oxygenation through mechanical ventilation and positioning.
- Preventing transmission, especially during aerosol-generating procedures, is essential for healthcare workers and other patients.
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