Severe Acute Respiratory Failure Research Articles

Pulmonary fibrosis in the aftermath of the COVID-19 era (Review).

The year 2020 is characterized by the COVID-19 pandemic that has resulted in more than half a million deaths in recent months. The high mortality is associated with acute severe respiratory failure that results in ICU admission and intubation. While facing this fatal disease, research and clinical observations need to be carried out in order to evaluate the long-term effects of the COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Potent clinical and laboratory biomarkers should be studied to be able to predict the subgroup of patients that are going to deteriorate or develop lung fibrosis. The opportunity of personalized medicine is a good way to consider for these patients.

Emergency biventricular assist device implantation in a patient with suspected COVID‐19 disease

Severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a multisystem inflammatory disorder and knowledge and experience with severe acute respiratory failure in infected patients has grown considerably since reports of the first few cases. Little is known about the effect of the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus on the heart, and it has been suggested that fulminant cardiac failure, with or without respiratory failure, may occur several weeks following infection. Ayoung manpresentedaftera recent viral illness.He was in severe cardiogenic shock and was implanted with an emergency biventricular assist device, which also incorporated an extracorporeal membrane oxygenator. He stabilised soon after and, despite an intracerebral haemorrhage which resolved and bleeding into the trachea following percutaneous tracheostomy, he survived to explant and was successfully stepped down to a rehabilitation unit on postoperative day 50. He tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies when the test became available on postoperative day 33. We envisage there will be many more such presentations of acute COVID-19-associated cardiogenic shock and we recommend clinicians consider this diagnosis when presented with an acutely unwell patient with an unclear diagnosis following a viral illness. These patients should be discussed as early as possible with a transplant/mechanical circulatory support team.

Contemporary principles of hypoxia management in case of ARDS of various origin. Part 1

The review summarizes data on contemporary approaches to diagnosis, prevention and treatment of severe acute parenchymal respiratory failure of various origins including in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by bacterial and viral pneumonia. It is based on the data of modern properly organized studies, an analysis of international clinical guidelines with a high degree of evidence, as well as the results of many years of own experimental research and clinical observations of treatment of patients with ARDS of various origin, including those with viral pneumonia in 2009–2016–2020. The article states scientifically-based procedures for prevention, differential diagnosis and personalized treatment of severe acute respiratory failure with the use of innovative medical technologies and a wide range of respiratory treatments. The authors did their best to adapt specific proposals for everyday clinical practice.

Patterns and Impact of Arterial CO2 Management in Patients With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Insights From the LUNG SAFE Study

Considerable variability exists regarding CO2 management in early ARDS, with the impact of arterial CO2 tension on management and outcomes poorly understood. To determine the prevalence and impact of hypocapnia and hypercapnia on the management and outcomes of patients with early ARDS enrolled in the Large Observational Study to Understand the Global Impact of Severe Acute Respiratory Failure (LUNG SAFE) study, an international multicenter observational study. Our primary objective was to examine the prevalence of day 1 and sustained (day 1 and 2) hypocapnia (Paco2< 35mmHg), normocapnia (Paco2 35-45mmHg), and hypercapnia (Paco2 > 45mmHg) in patients with ARDS. Secondary objectives included elucidating the effect of CO2 tension on ventilatory management and examining the relationship with ARDS outcome. Of 2,813 patients analyzed, 551 (19.6%; 95%CI, 18.1-21.1) were hypocapnic, 1,018 (36.2%; 95%CI, 34.4-38.0) were normocapnic, and 1,214 (43.2%; 95%CI, 41.3-45.0) were hypercapnic, on day 1. Sustained hypocapnia was seen in 252 (9.3%; 95%CI, 8.2-10.4), sustained normocapnia in 544 (19.3%; 95%CI, 17.9-20.8), and sustained hypercapnia in 654 (24.1%; 95%CI, 22.5-25.7) patients. Hypocapnia was more frequent and severe in patients receiving noninvasive ventilation but also was observed in patients on controlled mechanical ventilation. Sustained hypocapnia was more frequent in middle-income countries, whereas sustained hypercapnia was more frequent in Europe. ARDS severity profile was highest in sustained hypercapnia, and these patients received more protective ventilation. No independent association was seen between arterial CO2 and outcome. In propensity-matched analyses, the hospital mortality rate was 36%in both sustained normocapnic and hypercapnic patients (P= 1.0). ICU mortality was higher in patients with mild to moderate ARDS receiving sustained hypocapnia (38.1%) compared with normocapnia (27.1%). No evidence was found for benefit or harm with hypercapnia. Of concern, ICU mortality was higher with sustained hypocapnia in mild to moderate ARDS.

The effects of blood group types on the risk of COVID-19 infection and its clinical outcome

Background/aim COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease of 2019) is an infectious disease outbreak later on declared as a pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2). It spreads very rapidly and can result in severe acute respiratory failure. The clinical studies have shown that advanced age and chronic diseases increase the risk of infection. However, influence of the blood groups on COVID-19 infection and its outcome remains to be confirmed. The aim of this study is to investigate whether there exists a relationship between the blood groups of the patients and risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients.Material and method186 patients with PCR confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 were included in this study. Age, sex, blood groups, comorbidities, need for intubation and intensive care unit follow up and mortalities of the patients were analyzed retrospectively. 1881 healthy individuals, who presented to the Hacettepe University Blood Bank served as the controls.Results The most frequently detected blood group was blood group A (57%) amongst the COVID-19 patients. This was followed by blood group O (24.8%). The blood group types did not affect the clinical outcomes. The blood group A was statistically significantly more frequent among those infected with COVID-19 compared to controls (57% vs. 38%, P < 0.001; OR: 2.1). On the other hand, the frequency of blood group O was significantly lower in the COVID-19 patients, compared to the control group (24.8% vs. 37.2%, P: 0.001; OR: 1.8).ConclusionsThe results of the present study suggest that while the blood group A might have a role in increased susceptibility to the COVID-19 infection, the blood group O might be somewhat protective. However, once infected, blood group type does not seem to influence clinical outcome.

Out of Darkness.

Out of Darkness.

In vitro characterization of PrismaLung+: a novel ECCO2R device

BackgroundInvasive mechanical ventilation is lifesaving in the setting of severe acute respiratory failure but can cause ventilation-induced lung injury. Advances in extracorporeal CO2 removal (ECCO2R) technologies may facilitate more protective lung ventilation in acute respiratory distress syndrome, and enable earlier weaning and/or avoid invasive mechanical ventilation entirely in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations. We evaluated the in vitro CO2 removal capacity of the novel PrismaLung+ ECCO2R device compared with two existing gas exchangers.MethodsThe in vitro CO2 removal capacity of the PrismaLung+ (surface area 0.8 m2, Baxter) was compared with the PrismaLung (surface area 0.35 m2, Baxter) and A.L.ONE (surface area 1.35 m2, Eurosets) devices, using a closed-loop bovine blood–perfused extracorporeal circuit. The efficacy of each device was measured at varying pCO2 inlet (pinCO2) levels (45, 60, and 80 mmHg) and blood flow rates (QB) of 200–450 mL/min; the PrismaLung+ and A.L.ONE devices were also tested at a QB of 600 mL/min. The amount of CO2 removed by each device was assessed by measurement of the CO2 infused to maintain circuit equilibrium (CO2 infusion method) and compared with measured CO2 concentrations in the inlet and outlet of the CO2 removal device (blood gas analysis method).ResultsThe PrismaLung+ device performed similarly to the A.L.ONE device, with both devices demonstrating CO2 removal rates ~ 50% greater than the PrismaLung device. CO2 removal rates were 73 ± 4.0, 44 ± 2.5, and 72 ± 1.9 mL/min, for PrismaLung+, PrismaLung, and A.L.ONE, respectively, at QB 300 mL/min and pinCO2 45 mmHg. A Bland–Altman plot demonstrated that the CO2 infusion method was comparable to the blood gas analysis method for calculating CO2 removal. The resistance to blood flow across the test device, as measured by pressure drop, varied as a function of blood flow rate, and was greatest for PrismaLung and lowest for the A.L.ONE device.ConclusionsThe newly developed PrismaLung+ performed more effectively than PrismaLung, with performance of CO2 removal comparable to A.L.ONE at the flow rates tested, despite the smaller membrane surface area of PrismaLung+ versus A.L.ONE. Clinical testing of PrismaLung+ is warranted to further characterize its performance.

A technical report from the Italian SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. Postmortem sampling and autopsy investigation in cases of suspected or probable COVID-19.

SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) is a coronavirus responsible for COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) which resulted in a cluster of cases of pneumonia that originated in China around 31 December 2019 and has subsequently spread across the globe. Currently, COVID-19 represents a health emergency worldwide, leading, in severe cases, to pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, multiorgan dysfunction or failure, and death. In the context of limited scientific knowledge and evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, guidance is becoming increasingly necessary for pathologists who have to perform postmortem investigations on COVID-19 cases. The aim of the present report is to share a procedure applicable to cases of COVID-19-related death, particularly in cases of death without medical intervention and in the absence of an ascertained SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or COVID-19 diagnosis, therefore providing support for diagnostic activity in the present COVID-19 pandemic. For this purpose, a standard operating procedure for correct swab collection, autopsy investigation and tissue sampling is provided.

Long-Term Health-Related Quality of Life After Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

This study examined the long-term health-related quality of life in adult patients treated with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO) for severe acute respiratory failure in Ireland. A retrospective, cross-sectional survey was conducted to elicit self-reported quality of life in V-V ECMO survivors who were discharged from the intensive care unit for ≥6 months. Twenty-nine patients with respiratory failure were treated with V-V ECMO from 2009 to 2013. Of the 19 (66%) patients who survived to hospital discharge, 13 participated in the study. The mean age was 44 ± 11 years, and seven were male. At a median follow-up of 36 (14-39) months, study participants reported decreased indices of physical health compared with age- and sex-matched general population in Ireland while their mental health was similar to age- and sex-matched general population in Ireland. Fifty-four percent of participants had symptoms of anxiety, 15 percent had symptoms of depression, while 23 percent of participants were at risk of posttraumatic stress disorder. Sixty-seven percent of previously employed participants had returned to work. This study highlights the protracted nature of physical and psychologic recovery in patients surviving up to three years after V-V ECMO for severe acute respiratory failure.

Leptospirosis as an important differential of pulmonary haemorrhage on the intensive care unit: a case managed with VV-ECMO

BackgroundLeptospirosis is a potentially fatal zoonosis. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, including diffuse alveolar haemorrhage which occurs in a minority of cases but carries a mortality of over 70%. These patients may present with severe acute respiratory failure. The differential diagnosis for diffuse alveolar haemorrhage is broad whereas prompt diagnosis and treatment can be lifesaving.Case presentationA 20-year-old previously fit and well trout farm worker presented with a 3-day history of malaise, fevers, diarrhoea, vomiting and jaundice. He developed haemoptysis, severe headaches, neck stiffness and photophobia on the day of emergency admission. He was anaemic and thrombocytopenic. Anuric acute kidney injury (urea 32, creat 507) required immediate haemofiltration. In view of progressive respiratory failure with four-quadrant lung infiltrates on imaging, he was given broad spectrum antibiotics and pulsed methylprednisolone empirically, in case of a vasculitic pulmonary-renal presentation. He was intubated within 48 h of admission. Despite attempted protective ventilatory management, he remained hypoxaemic and developed pneumomediastinum. He was retrieved to a specialist cardiorespiratory intensive care unit on femoro-femoral mobile VV-ECMO. Three days from admission, results showed positive Leptospira IgM and real-time PCR. Serial bronchoscopies showed old and fresh clots, but not the classical progressive late red tinge of the returned lavage fluid. After eight days, VV-ECMO was weaned, he was extubated three days later, and made a full recovery. At 9 months follow-up, he was clinically better, with resolution of the CT scan findings and near normal lung function, albeit with low normal gas transfer.ConclusionsLeptospirosis is a rare but important differential to be considered in diffuse alveolar haemorrhage presenting to the ICU, especially in young males. A thorough history for occupational or recreational risk factors may offer the diagnostic clue. Most patients recover fully with antibiotics. However, resulting acute severe respiratory failure can ensue. In this situation, early consideration for respiratory ECMO support offers time for clearance of endobronchial clot, parenchymal recovery, and prevention of ventilator-induced lung injury. Steroids have no clear evidence but may be used to avoid delay in treating suspected vasculitic or autoimmune causes of diffuse alveolar haemorrhage.

Hyperoxemia and excess oxygen use in early acute respiratory distress syndrome: insights from the LUNG SAFE study

BackgroundConcerns exist regarding the prevalence and impact of unnecessary oxygen use in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We examined this issue in patients with ARDS enrolled in the Large observational study to UNderstand the Global impact of Severe Acute respiratory FailurE (LUNG SAFE) study.MethodsIn this secondary analysis of the LUNG SAFE study, we wished to determine the prevalence and the outcomes associated with hyperoxemia on day 1, sustained hyperoxemia, and excessive oxygen use in patients with early ARDS. Patients who fulfilled criteria of ARDS on day 1 and day 2 of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure were categorized based on the presence of hyperoxemia (PaO2 > 100 mmHg) on day 1, sustained (i.e., present on day 1 and day 2) hyperoxemia, or excessive oxygen use (FIO2 ≥ 0.60 during hyperoxemia).ResultsOf 2005 patients that met the inclusion criteria, 131 (6.5%) were hypoxemic (PaO2 < 55 mmHg), 607 (30%) had hyperoxemia on day 1, and 250 (12%) had sustained hyperoxemia. Excess FIO2 use occurred in 400 (66%) out of 607 patients with hyperoxemia. Excess FIO2 use decreased from day 1 to day 2 of ARDS, with most hyperoxemic patients on day 2 receiving relatively low FIO2. Multivariate analyses found no independent relationship between day 1 hyperoxemia, sustained hyperoxemia, or excess FIO2 use and adverse clinical outcomes. Mortality was 42% in patients with excess FIO2 use, compared to 39% in a propensity-matched sample of normoxemic (PaO2 55–100 mmHg) patients (P = 0.47).ConclusionsHyperoxemia and excess oxygen use are both prevalent in early ARDS but are most often non-sustained. No relationship was found between hyperoxemia or excessive oxygen use and patient outcome in this cohort.Trial registrationLUNG-SAFE is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02010073

The experience of high-flow nasal cannula in hospitalized patients with 2019 novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia in two hospitals of Chongqing, China

BackgroundThe outbreak of a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)-infected pneumonia (NCIP) is currently ongoing in China. Most of the critically ill patients received high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy. However, the experience of HFNC in this population is lacking.MethodsWe retrospectively screened 318 confirmed patients with NCIP in two hospitals of Chongqing, China, from January 1st to March 4th, 2020. Among them, 27 (8.4%) patients experienced severe acute respiratory failure including 17 patients (63%) treated with HFNC as first-line therapy, 9 patients (33%) treated with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and one patient (4%) treated with invasive ventilation. HFNC failure was defined by the need of NIV or intubation as rescue therapy.ResultsOf the 17 HFNC patients, 7 (41%) experienced HFNC failure. The HFNC failure rate was 0% (0/6) in patients with PaO2/FiO2 > 200 mm Hg vs. 63% (7/11) in those with PaO2/FiO2 ≤ 200 mm Hg (p = 0.04). Compared with baseline data, the respiratory rate significantly decreased after 1–2 h of HFNC in successful group [median 26 (IQR: 25–29) vs. 23 (22–25), p = 0.03]. However, it did not in the unsuccessful group. After initiation of NIV as rescue therapy among the 7 patients with HFNC failure, PaO2/FiO2 significantly improved after 1–2 h of NIV [median 172 (150–208) mmHg vs. 114 (IQR: 79–130) under HFNC, p = 0.04]. However, two out of seven (29%) patients with NIV as rescue therapy ultimately received intubation. Among the 27 patients with severe acute respiratory failure, four patients were eventually intubated (15%).ConclusionsOur study indicated that HFNC was the most common ventilation support for patients with NCIP. Patients with lower PaO2/FiO2 were more likely to experience HFNC failure.

Superior Vena Cava Syndrome from Percutaneous Right Ventricular Assist Device Use in Right Ventricular Failure

Percutaneous right ventricular assist device (RVAD) support with right internal jugular (IJ) vein access has emerged as a viable solution for treating refractory RV failure. Recent reports have shown that RVAD support with this approach can be beneficial in a variety of clinical scenarios including post cardiotomy RV failure, cardiogenic shock, and severe acute hypoxemic respiratory failure with associated RV dysfunction, as well as decreased mortality compared to surgically implanted RVADs. However, the safety profile of such devices has not been characterized. A comprehensive retrospective review was completed for all patients receiving percutaneous RVAD support via a right internal jugular route with either 28 or 31F cannula at our institution between April 2017 and December 2018. Preoperative patient demographics, intraoperative, and postoperative outcomes, with specific focus on device related complications. Fourty patients (27 men, 67.5%) with mean age of 52 years ± 15.6 and refractory RV failure were managed with a percutaneous RVAD inserted through the right IJ. Of these 40 patients, 3 (7.5%) patients demonstrated device related superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome resulting from obstruction of the SVC with the RVAD cannula. One patient managed by head of bed elevation and early removal of the device (I believe). Two were treated by connecting a "venting" tubing to the side port on the introducer sheath and placing into the ECMO circuit to for decompression. Symptoms resolved in all 3 patients and no deaths resulted from SVC syndrome. SVC syndrome related to percutaneous RVAD placement is an important, but previously undescribed postoperative complication of RVAD use. Early identification allows safe management of this complication, which does not detract from the safety of percutaneous RVAD support.

Bioética en la ventilación mecánica invasiva: enfermedades crónicas/terminales

IntroductionInvasive mechanical ventilation often raises ethical dilemmas in patients with chronic / terminal disease in severe acute respiratory failure. Scientific knowledge and application of human values are necessary in decision making. ObjectiveTo present the Bioethics through scientific knowledge, and the human values that should be applied in patients with chronic / terminal disease in severe acute respiratory failure that require invasive mechanical ventilation. MethodologyA non-systematic review was performed in the medical literature related to chronic / terminal diseases that cause severe acute respiratory failure, and that require invasive mechanical ventilation. Bioethics was reviewed based on scientific knowledge (bios) of invasive mechanical ventilation, and human values (ethics) based on rights and ethical principles. ResultsChronic / terminal diseases such as, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, immunodeficiency syndrome, cancer, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis involve severe acute respiratory failure that requires support from invasive mechanical ventilation. These lead to generating ethical dilemmas as to whether or not to start mechanical ventilation. The ethical and moral decision on whether or not to start mechanical ventilation is based on: Patient rights, principles of autonomy, principle of beneficence, principle of proportionality, and the foreseeable outcome of the patient. Statistical analysisThe research methodology was analytical and descriptive and did not require statistics. CommentaryBioethics does not intervene in the respiratory pathophysiology of chronic / terminal diseases in severe acute respiratory failure, or in the basics of invasive mechanical ventilation. Bioethics is involved in the responsibility of scientific knowledge and the recognition of human values ??in the medical act.

Contemporary analysis of charges and mortality in the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A cautionary tale.

ObjectiveThe use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has increased exponentially. Costs and outcomes, however, vary considerably by indication. We sought to elucidate and quantify these differences.MethodsAdult patients supported on ECMO between 2008 and 2016 were analyzed using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. We divided the study period into an early (2008-2013) and late period (2013-2016). The primary outcome was hospital charges, and the secondary outcomes were mortality, length of stay (LOS), and duration of ECMO support. These were stratified by the 5 most common indications: postcardiotomy shock (PCS), cardiogenic shock (CS), severe acute respiratory failure (SARF), heart (HT), and lung transplantation (LT). Both patient and hospital characteristics were assessed. Charges were adjusted for inflation and analyzed using a generalized linear model with gamma distribution. Pairwise comparison with Bonferroni correction was used to evaluate the cost and multivariate logistic regression to assess the risk of mortality.ResultsData pertaining to 15,829 adult patients were evaluated. Mean age of the entire cohort was 52.8 years, 8895 (56%) were white, and 10,278 (65%) were male. PCS was the predominant indication for ECMO (39%), followed by CS (37%). SARF accounted for 15% and HT and LT accounted for 3.9% and 5.4%, respectively. Mean LOS and duration of ECMO support were 23.4 days and 5.3 days respectively. Mean hospital charges per hospitalization for the entire cohort were USD 731,914 per patient. Charges per patient pertaining to hospitalizations in which ECMO was used in transplant patients were the highest: USD 1,448,931 and USD 1,574,378 (P = .99) for HT and LT, respectively. Charges were lower for the other indications: PCS USD 798,909, CS USD 655,099, and SARF USD 824,852. Overall mortality for the entire cohort was 55%. PCS and CS (53% vs 58%, P = .34) had similar survival, whereas SARF was 45%, LT was 39% and HT 32%. There were no differences in survival in these latter indications (SARF, LT and HT). The cumulative charges (proportion × hospital charges) reveal that PCS and CS (39% and 37%) account for both the majority of charges as well as the greatest mortality. Conversely, SARF and transplantation accounted for the smaller proportion of charges and the lower mortality. Patients undergoing HT had the longest LOS (51.7 days) and duration on ECMO (15.9 days), followed by LT (35.4 and 8.8 days respectively), and patients with SARF (28.6 and 6.6 respectively). LOS and duration of ECMO for those with PCS were 18.7 days and 4.8 days, respectively. Those on ECMO for CS were hospitalized for 19.7 days and spent an average of 3.8 days on ECMO. Mortality decreased, whereas charges increased in the late era.ConclusionsThe use of ECMO is associated with high hospital charges and a wide variation in outcomes. Hospitalizations, in which ECMO is used to support patients with cardiogenic shock (PCS and CS), are individually associated with lower LOS and charges. Cumulatively, however, these account for greater charges and greater mortality. Although mortality may be decreasing, overall charges are increasing with time. These variations may influence reimbursement decisions in value-based healthcare.

Consideration of the respiratory support strategy of severe acute respiratory failure caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection in children.

The recent ongoing outbreak of severe pneumonia associated with a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), currently of unknown origin, creates a world emergency that has put global public health institutions on high alert. At present there is limited clinical information of the SARS-CoV-2 and there is no specific treatment recommended, although technical guidances and suggestions have been developed and will continue to be updated as additional information becomes available. Preventive treatment has an important role to control and avoid the spread of severe respiratory disease, but often is difficult to obtain and sometimes cannot be effective to reduce the risk of deterioration of the underlining lung pathology. In order to define an effective and safe treatment for SARS-CoV-2-associated disease, we provide considerations on the actual treatments, on how to avoid complications and the undesirable side effects related to them and to select and apply earlier the most appropriate treatment. Approaching to treat severe respiratory disease in infants and children, the risks related to the development of atelectasis starting invasive or non-invasive ventilation support and the risk of oxygen toxicity must be taken into serious consideration. For an appropriate and effective approach to treat severe pediatric respiratory diseases, two main different strategies can be proposed according to the stage and severity of the patient conditions: patient in the initial phase and with non-severe lung pathology and patient with severe initial respiratory impairment and/or with delay in arrival to observation. The final outcome is strictly connected with the ability to apply an appropriate treatment early and to reduce all the complications that can arise during the intensive care admission.

Anesthetic Management for Emergent Cesarean Delivery in a Parturient with Recent Diagnosis of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Case Report

Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which was first reported in Wuhan, China in 2019, is known to cause severe respiratory infection, pneumonia and acute respiratory failure. Data on the perioperative management of pregnant women with a recent diagnosis of COVID-19 are lacking.

Patterns of Use of Adjunctive Therapies in Patients With Early Moderate to Severe ARDS: Insights From the LUNG SAFE Study

Adjunctive strategies are an important part of the management of ARDS. However, their application in clinical practice remains inconsistent. We wished to determine the frequency and patterns of use of adjunctive strategies in patients with moderate to severe ARDS (Pao2/Fio2 [P/F ratio]< 150) enrolled into the Large observational study to UNderstand the Global impact of Severe Acute respiratory FailurE (LUNG SAFE) study. The LUNG SAFE study was an international, multicenter, prospective cohort study of patients with severe respiratory failure, conducted in 2014 in 459 ICUs from 50 countries. The primary objective of this substudy was to determine the frequency of use of widely available (neuromuscular blockade, prone position) adjuncts vsadjuncts requiring specialized equipment (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, inhaled vasodilators, high-frequency ventilation) in patients in the first 48h of moderate to severe ARDS (P/F ratio< 150). Of 1,146 patients on invasive ventilation with moderate to severe ARDS, 811 patients (71%) received no adjunct within 48h of ARDS onset. Of 335 (29%) that received adjunctive strategies, 252 (75%) received a single strategy, and 83 (25%) receiving more than one adjunct. Of ARDS nonsurvivors, 67%did not receive any adjunctive strategy in the first 48 h. Most patients (67%) receiving specialized adjuncts did not receive prone positioning or neuromuscular blockade. Patients that received adjuncts were more likely to have their ARDS recognized, be younger and sicker, have pneumonia, be more difficult to ventilate, and be in a European high-income country than those that did not receive adjuncts. Three in 10 patients with moderate to severe ARDS, and only one-third of nonsurvivors, received adjunctive strategies over the first 48h of ARDS. A more consistent and evidence-driven approach to adjunct use may reduce costs and improve outcomes in patients with moderate to severe ARDS. ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT02010073; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Inhibitors of RAS Might Be a Good Choice for the Therapy of COVID-19 Pneumonia

The novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infected patients by binding human ACE2, leading to severe pneumonia and highly mortality rate in patients. At present, there is no definite and effective treatment for COVID-19. ACE2 plays an important role in the RAS, and the imbalance between ACE/Ang II/AT1R pathway and ACE2/Ang (1-7)/Mas receptor pathway in the RAS system will lead to multi-system inflammation. Increased ACE and Ang II are poor prognostic factors for severe pneumonia. Animal studies have shown that RAS inhibitors could effectively relieve symptoms of acute severe pneumonia and respiratory failure. The binding of COVID-19 and ACE2 resulted in the exhaustion of ACE2, and then ACE2/Ang (1-7)/Mas receptor pathway was inhibited. The balance of the RAS system was broken, and this would lead to the exacerbation of acute severe pneumonia. Therefore, we speculate that ACEI and AT1R inhibitors could be used in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia under the condition of controlling blood pressure, and might reduce the pulmonary inflammatory response and mortality.

Inhibitors of RAS Might Be a Good Choice for the Therapy of COVID-19 Pneumonia

The novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infected patients by binding human ACE2, leading to severe pneumonia and highly mortality rate in patients. At present, there is no definite and effective treatment for COVID-19. ACE2 plays an important role in the RAS, and the imbalance between ACE/Ang II/AT1R pathway and ACE2/Ang (1-7)/Mas receptor pathway in the RAS system will lead to multi-system inflammation. Increased ACE and Ang II are poor prognostic factors for severe pneumonia. Animal studies have shown that RAS inhibitors could effectively relieve symptoms of acute severe pneumonia and respiratory failure. The binding of COVID-19 and ACE2 resulted in the exhaustion of ACE2, and then ACE2/Ang (1-7)/Mas receptor pathway was inhibited. The balance of the RAS system was broken, and this would lead to the exacerbation of acute severe pneumonia. Therefore, we speculate that ACEI and AT1R inhibitors could be used in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia under the condition of controlling blood pressure, and might reduce the pulmonary inflammatory response and mortality.