Critical care clinics
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Pregnant women are at increased risk for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and COVID-19-related complications. Their increased risk in conjuncture with the normal physiologic changes in pregnancy poses unique challenges for the management of the critically ill pregnant patient. This article will review the initial management of pregnant patients who develop acute hypoxic respiratory failure and subsequent treatment of those that deteriorate to acute respiratory distress syndrome and require advanced therapies. Moreover, fetal monitoring and timing of delivery will be reviewed.
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Critical care clinics · Jul 2022
ReviewHigh-Flow Nasal Oxygen and Noninvasive Ventilation for COVID-19.
High-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) and noninvasive ventilation (NIV) via facemask or helmet have been increasingly used in managing acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) owing to COVID-19 with the premise of reducing the need for invasive mechanical ventilation and possibly mortality. Their use carries the risk of delaying intubation and nosocomial infection transmission. To date, most studies on the effectiveness of these modalities are observational and suggest that HFNO and NIV have a role in the management of AHRF owing to COVID-19. Trials are ongoing and are evaluating different aspects of noninvasive respiratory support in patients with AHRF owing to COVID-19.
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Critical care clinics · Jul 2022
ReviewReview of Anti-inflammatory and Antiviral Therapeutics for Hospitalized Patients Infected with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection leads to dysregulation of immune pathways. Therapies focusing on suppressing cytokine activity have some success. ⋯ Janus kinase inhibition in combination with glucocorticoids is emerging as a potential therapeutic option for patients with moderate to severe symptoms. Data on the role of anakinra, hyperimmune immunoglobulin/convalescent plasma, or plasma purification are limited.
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Patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are prone to venous, cerebrovascular, and coronary thrombi, particularly those with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The pathogenesis is multifactorial and likely involves proinflammatory cascades, development of coagulopathy, and neutrophil extracellular traps, although further investigations are needed. ⋯ If given early in hospital admission, therapeutic-dose heparin improves clinical outcomes in patients with moderate COVID-19. To date, antithrombotics have not improved outcomes in patients with severe COVID-19.
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With an ever-increasing number of COVID-19 survivors, providers are tasked with addressing the longer lasting symptoms of COVID-19, or postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). For critically ill patients, existing knowledge about postintensive care syndrome (PICS) represents a useful structure for understanding PASC. Post-ICU clinics leverage a multidisciplinary team to evaluate and treat the physical, cognitive, and psychological sequelae central to both PICS and PASC in critically ill patients. While management through both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic modalities can be used, further research into both the optimal treatment and prevention of PASC represents a key public health imperative.