COVID-19 and Sickle Cell Disease in PICU: Case Report

Abstract

Sars-Cov 2 viral infection can cause an intense inflammatory reaction, hypoxemia and acute respiratory failure. The disease spreads more easily in chronic comorbidities, such as sickle cell anemia and overweight. Among the various professionals involved in the recovery of patients with Covid-19, the role of the physiotherapist stands out, not only for acting in the management of the disease but also for preventing and rehabilitating the respiratory deficiencies and the functional limitations caused by it. The present report aims to elucidate the multidisciplinary work carried out in the patient with overweight and sickle cell anemia during the period of hospitalization in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit by Covid-19. This is an observational, longitudinal single-arm case report. The patient’s medical data collection was carried out retrospectively through record, including anamnesis reports, physical examination, and multi-professional procedures used from admission to discharge, including anamnesis reports, physical examination, and multi-professional procedures used from admission to discharge. The present study is a rare case of pediatric Covid-19 with severe signs and symptoms. The treatment performed by the multidisciplinary team resulted in a favorable outcome since the beginning of hospitalization. Physiotherapy, including early mobilization and rehabilitation may help prevent or mitigate sequelae related to bed rest, thus improving physical function and outcomes and reducing length of stay by increasing ventilator free-days.