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Ventilatory Support in Patients with COVID-19.
Paolo Maria Leone1,2, Matteo Siciliano3,4, Jacopo Simonetti3,4
1Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy. paolomaria.leone@policlinicogemelli.it.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|May 11, 2021
Summary
COVID-19 pneumonia can cause severe hypoxemic respiratory failure. This chapter explores various ventilatory support strategies, including oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation, for managing COVID-19 patients.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, presents significant challenges in managing acute hypoxemic respiratory failure.
- Current therapeutic options and vaccines for COVID-19 remain limited, highlighting the need for effective supportive care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of various ventilatory support methods for adult and pediatric patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.
- To discuss the evolving understanding of hypoxemia pathophysiology in COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature and clinical practices regarding respiratory support in COVID-19.
- Discussion of different levels of ventilatory support, from oxygen therapy to invasive mechanical ventilation.
Main Results:
- Oxygen therapy is recommended for mild to moderate hypoxemia.
- High-flow nasal cannula, noninvasive ventilation, and invasive ventilation are options for more severe cases.
- Understanding the mechanisms of hypoxemia is crucial for guiding treatment.
Conclusions:
- Ventilatory support plays a critical role in managing COVID-19 pneumonia and its complications.
- Further research and consensus are needed to optimize respiratory management strategies.
- This chapter provides an overview of current and potential ventilatory interventions.
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