Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 12, 2025

Halogenated Agent Delivery in Porcine Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome via an Intensive Care Unit Type Device
Published on: September 24, 2020
International variation in the management of severe COVID-19 patients
Elie Azoulay1, Jan de Waele2, Ricard Ferrer3,4
1Médecine Intensive et Réanimation, Department of the St-Louis Hospital, APHP, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris University, 1 avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010, Paris, France. elie.azoulay@aphp.fr.
Background:
There is little evidence to support the management of severe COVID-19 patients.
Methods:
To document this variation in practices, we performed an online survey (April 30-May 25, 2020) on behalf of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM). A case vignette was sent to ESICM members. Questions investigated practices for a previously healthy 39-year-old patient presenting with severe hypoxemia from COVID-19 infection.
Results:
A total of 1132 ICU specialists (response rate 20%) from 85 countries (12 regions) responded to the survey. The survey provides information on the heterogeneity in patient's management, more particularly regarding the timing of ICU admission, the first line oxygenation strategy, optimization of management, and ventilatory settings in case of refractory hypoxemia. Practices related to antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory therapies are also investigated.
Conclusions:
There are important practice variations in the management of severe COVID-19 patients, including differences at regional and individual levels. Large outcome studies based on multinational registries are warranted.
Related Concept Videos
Pneumonia IV: Management
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
Myocarditis III: Medical Management
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Smoking Cessation
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
Acute Respiratory Failure-V
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
