Clinical Management of Critical COVID 19 Patients: Insights from the Literature and "On the Field" Experience
The recent outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID 19) is a health emergency all over the world. Several health care professionals are currently putting their best efforts to deal with this situation. The aim of this review is to report insights from the literature and "on the field" experience in clinical management of critical COVID 19 patients. Respiratory support varies from high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) to noninvasive and invasive mechanical ventilation, often associated with nitric oxide, prone position, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) Experienced specialists have to manage the airways minimizing any contamination and virus spread. The hemodynamic management of critical COVID 19 patients requires not only an accurate fluid strategy, but also an appropriate use of vasopressors and inotropes. Various adjuvant treatments have been proposed: antiviral drugs, immunomodulators, anticoagulants, antibiotics, and nutrition.
Journal of Neuroanaesthesiology and Critical Care