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Published on: November 30, 2022
The timing of intubation and principles of ICU care in COVID-19
Sema Turan1, Sultan Sevim Yakin1, Levent Yamanel2
1Department of Intensive Care, Ankara City Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
Insights
Determining optimal intubation timing is crucial for severe COVID-19 acute respiratory failure patients. This review offers guidance on mechanical ventilation and intensive care support for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) emerged in late 2019, causing a global health crisis.
- Severe cases, approximately 15%, require intensive care, with 5% needing mechanical ventilation due to acute respiratory failure.
- The economic, sociological, and psychological impacts of the pandemic are significant.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate optimal intubation timing for acute respiratory failure in COVID-19 patients.
- To provide recommendations for essential intensive care support based on current knowledge.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing data on COVID-19 respiratory failure.
- Analysis of clinical presentations and outcomes related to mechanical ventilation.
Main Results:
- Optimal intubation timing remains a critical decision in managing severe COVID-19.
- Evidence-based recommendations for intensive care support are essential for patient management.
Conclusions:
- Timely and appropriate mechanical ventilation is vital for patients with COVID-19-induced acute respiratory failure.
- Standardized intensive care protocols can improve outcomes for critically ill COVID-19 patients.
Abstract:
Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has been a serious health problem since it was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and has created a global crisis with its economic, sociological, and psychological aspects. Approximately 15% of cases have a severe clinical presentation, and 5% of patients require admission to the intensive care unit. A significant proportion of patients presents with a rapidly progressing acute respiratory failure and require invasive mechanical ventilation. This article aimed to evaluate how the optimal intubation timing should be determined in cases of acute respiratory failure due to COVID-19 and to offer recommendations for basic intensive care support in the light of our current knowledge.
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