Current opinion in critical care
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More than 230 million people have tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 infection globally by September 2021. The infection affects primarily the function of the respiratory system, where ∼20% of infected individuals develop coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19) pneumonia. This review provides an update on the pathophysiology of the COVID-19 acute lung injury. ⋯ This review summarises the fundamental pathophysiological features of COVID-19 in the context of the respiratory system. It provides an overview of the key clinical manifestations of COVID-19 pneumonia, including gas exchange impairment, altered pulmonary mechanics and implications of abnormal chemical and mechanical stimuli. It also critically discusses the clinical implications for mechanical ventilation therapy.
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Feb 2022
ReviewCoronavirus disease 2019 in immunocompromised patients: a comprehensive review of coronavirus disease 2019 in hematopoietic stem cell recipients.
Immunocompromised patients are notably vulnerable to severe coronavirus disease 2019. This review summarizes COVID-19 features and outcomes in autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients. ⋯ Further studies are warranted to determine the proper impact of HSCT-related immune disorders on COVID-19 outcomes, and to evaluate specific treatments and vaccination strategy in this high-risk population. Taken together, those findings emphasize the need for more rigorous surveillance and preemptive measures for all HSCT recipients.
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Feb 2022
ReviewExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation for coronavirus disease 2019-related acute respiratory distress syndrome.
To understand the potential role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), highlighting evolving practices and outcomes. ⋯ ECMO has an established role in the treatment of severe forms of ARDS. Current data suggest adherence to the currently accepted algorithm for management of ARDS, including the use of ECMO. However, planning related to resource utilization and strain on healthcare systems are necessary to determine the feasibility of ECMO in specific regions at any given time. Utilization of national and local networks, pooling of resources and ECMO mobilization units are important to optimize access to ECMO as appropriate. Reported complications of ECMO in the setting of COVID-19-related ARDS have been predominantly similar to those reported in studies of non-COVID-19-related ARDS. Further high-quality research is needed.
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Feb 2022
ReviewAdvanced respiratory monitoring in mechanically ventilated patients with coronavirus disease 2019-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome.
To summarize the current knowledge about the application of advanced monitoring techniques in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). ⋯ Although there is little data on the effectiveness of advanced monitoring techniques in COVID-19, regular monitoring should be a central part of the management of COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (C-ARDS).
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Feb 2022
Ventilator-associated pneumonia among SARS-CoV-2 acute respiratory distress syndrome patients.
We conducted a systematic literature review to summarize the available evidence regarding the incidence, risk factors, and clinical characteristics of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation because of acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection (C-ARDS). ⋯ Covid-19 patients who require mechanical ventilation for ARDS have a high risk (>50%) of developing VAP, most commonly because of Gram-negative bacteria. Further work is needed to elucidate the disease-specific risk factors for VAP, strategies for prevention, and how best to differentiate between bacterial colonization versus superinfection.