Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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The optimal noninvasive modality for oxygenation support in COVID-19-associated hypoxemic respiratory failure and its association with healthcare worker infection remain uncertain. We report here our experience using high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) as the primary support mode for patients with COVID-19 in our institution. ⋯ Our experience indicates that HFNO is an effective first-line therapy for hypoxemic respiratory failure in COVID-19 patients, and can be safely used without significant discernable infection risk to healthcare workers.
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Review
Outcomes of critically ill COVID-19 survivors and caregivers: a case study-centred narrative review.
Critical illness is a transformative experience for both patients and their family members. For COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), survival may be the start of a long road to recovery. Our knowledge of the post-ICU long-term sequelae of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) may inform our understanding and management of the long-term effects of COVID-19. ⋯ Emerging literature on COVID-19 outcomes suggests some similarities with those of ARDS/SARS and prolonged mechanical ventilation. The pathophysiology of COVID-19 is presented here in the context of early outcome data and to inform an agenda for longitudinal research for patients and families.
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In recent years, various types of indirect laryngoscopes have been developed. Nevertheless, no conclusions have been drawn about which type of indirect laryngoscope is most effective for tracheal intubation. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether the Airtraq® or the GlideScope® is more effective for tracheal intubation. ⋯ In this meta-analysis, use of the Airtraq indirect laryngoscope did not result in improved success rate, glottic visualization, or intubation time in tracheal intubation compared with the GlideScope. Trial sequential analysis suggests that further studies are necessary to confirm these findings.