Cleveland Clinic journal of medicine
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It has been well established that patients with diabetes who have COVID-19 have a more severe disease course and higher mortality. Providing adequate care for these patients has required hospitals to adapt protocols for monitoring blood glucose and administering therapy to protect both patient and caregiver safety. ⋯ For therapy, protocols for managing hyperglycemia and diabetes ketoacidosis have been designed with less frequent monitoring and medication administration. Finally, telemedicine has allowed for consultative care in a manner not requiring physical proximity.
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Shock is common in critically ill patients with COVID-19, developing in up to 67% of patients in intensive care (5% to 10% overall) and is associated with high mortality. Optimal management requires prompt recognition with precise evaluation and differentiation. ⋯ Undifferentiated shock may be treated initially with norepinephrine to optimize perfusion while additional evaluation is performed to categorize the shock pathophysiology. Physical examination, bedside echocardiography, hemodynamic monitoring, lactate and venous oxygen saturation are important components of the patient evaluation.
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Patients with COPD have an increased risk for severe COVID-19. Symptoms such as high-grade fever, anorexia, and myalgia may distinguish COVID-19 from dyspnea due to a COPD-related exacerbation. ⋯ Modalities to treat acute respiratory failure can be used with some caveats. Patients with COPD and COVID-19 infection who treat their illness at home should self-isolate, use nebulizers with precautions to avoid viral aerosolization, and frequently disinfect room surfaces.