SURFACE RESPIRATORY ELECTROMYOGRAPHY ANALYS AND OXYGEN THERAPY IN YOUNG ADULTS WITH COVID-19: CASE REPORT

Abstract

TYPE: Case Report TOPIC: Critical Care INTRODUCTION: Dyspnea is a common symptom referred hopistalized patients with COVID-19 and it is subjectively assessed at bedside. Dyspnea associated with increased work of breathing (WoB) can be objectively assessed by surface electromyography (sEMG). CASE PRESENTATION: Five young adults (21 to 33 years old) tested positive for COVID-19 were hospitalized in an ICU and put on oxygen therapy support (four in nasal cannulae NC, one in non-rebreather mask, NRM). sEMG electrodes measured the activity of main (diaphragm, DI) and accessory (sternocleidomastoid, SCM; Scalenes, SC; Rectus Abdominis, RA) respiratory muscles by Root Mean Square (RMS). From case 1 to 5, a gradual increase among NEWS score, respiratory rate and respiratory muscle activity (> 10 μV) is noticed. Cases 1 (RA) and 2 (SC) showed single-muscle muscle activity, case 3 (Di, SC) and 5 (SCM, Di) showed two-muscle activity and case 4 showed general high muscle activity. DISCUSSION: The patients showed worse signs at presenting higher respiratory muscle activity, independently of oxygen support. It is worth to investigate the correlation of these variables that may impact on their clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The patients showed worse signs at presenting higher respiratory muscle activity, independently of oxygen support. It is worth to investigate the correlation of these variables that may impact on their clinical outcomes. Acknowledgment: This work has been supported by the following Brazilian research agencies: UFPE-PROPESQI, UFPE PROEXC, CAPES, CNPq (403341/2020-5) and FACEPE (APQ-0249-4.08/20). DISCLOSURE: Nothing to declare. KEYWORD: ELECTROMYOGRAPHY