Treatment of Critically Ill Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019

Abstract

Clinical manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is diverse ranging from asymptomatic or mild respiratory symptoms to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and respiratory failure. As the pandemic progresses, the number of critically ill COVID-19 patients continues to increase. Whether or not COVID-19 ARDS patients are distinct from conventional ARDS is not settled, and there is no definite evidence that they should be treated differently from ARDS of other origins. The use of oxygen treatment with high flow nasal cannula has been increased. Invasive mechanical ventilation should be applied with lung protective strategy in mind. Prone positioning should be actively considered. Since the primary cause of death of COVID-19 patients is respiratory failure, understanding the characteristics of COVID-19 ARDS and its treatment is necessary for optimal outcome.