Critical care clinics
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Critical care clinics · Jul 2022
ReviewSevere COVID-19 and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children in Children and Adolescents.
Severe complications related to COVID-19 occur infrequently in children and adolescents. these life-threatening complications are mainly acute respiratory failure from acute COVID-19 and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). MIS-C is a postinfectious complication occurring approximately 3 to 6 weeks mostly after an asymptomatic or mild SARS-CoV-2 infection. For both types of complications, supportive ICU care is often required. For MIS-C critical illness, immunomodulation is prescribed to reverse hyperinflammation and its cardiac and other sequelae.
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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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Hospitals and health care systems with active critical care organizations (CCOs) that unified ICU units before the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic were better positioned to adapt to the demands of the pandemic, due to their established standardization of care and integration of critical care within the larger structure of the hospital or health care system. CCOs should continue to make changes, based on the real experience of COVID-19 that would lead to improved care during the ongoing pandemic, and beyond.