Revue médicale suisse
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The SARS-coronavirus 2 disease initially reported in December 2019 in China (COVID-19) represents a major challenge for intensive care medicine, due to the high number of ICU admission and the prolonged stay for many patients. Up to 5 % of COVID-19 infected patients develop severe acute hypoxemic respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation as supportive treatment. Apart from early antiviral and anti-inflammatory treatment, the management of COVID-19 patients is mainly applying protective mechanical ventilation, to support the injured lungs. However recently acquired data and clinical experience suggest that COVID-19-related ARDS presents some specificities that will be summarized in the present article.
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The COVID-19 pandemic impacts the hematology practice. Intensive chemotherapies for high-grade lymphomas and acute leukemias, multiple myeloma treatments and most hematopoietic stem cell transplantations should be performed as usual. Low-grade lymphomas should only be treated when strictly indicated, maintenance can be postponed. ⋯ Sickle cell anemia patients are highly succeptible to severe COVID-19 course. Thrombocytopenia and procoagulant state are associated with severe courses of COVID-19, requiring an individualized therapy. No data indicate a risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission through blood product transfusion.
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Children infected with SARS-CoV-2 are underrepresented during the current COVID-19 outbreak. Unlike other respiratory viruses, SARS-CoV-2 rather infects adults who subsequently infect their children. ⋯ However, more cases of pneumonia were reported from children infected with SARS-CoV-2 compared to those infected with H1N1. No vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has been described so far.
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Revue médicale suisse · Apr 2020
Review[Ebola : an uncontrolled outbreak despite vaccines and new treatments].
The Ebola virus disease outbreak raging in the North-Kivu and Ituri provinces of Democratic Republic of the Congo already accounts for more than 3400 cases, from which 2200 died. Major progress have been achieved since the 2014-2016 West Africa outbreak. ⋯ Ebola virus disease shifted from a deadly disease to a preventable, curable one. However, the long-lasting conflict and repeated attacks of civilians and health workers hampers the control of the outbreak.
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Revue médicale suisse · Mar 2020
Review[Acute pain management : the role of inhaled methoxyflurane in clinical practice].
Since 2018, a new analgesic drug has been made available in Switzerland : methoxyflurane. This halogenated gas, controlled by the patient, offers a very effective analgesic effect comparable to opiates. ⋯ This treatment could be used for the management of acute pain of various origins, such as renal lithiasis, or to facilitate different procedures, such as closed fracture reduction or chest tube insertion. Its indications are growing and its use will probably become commonplace with clinicians in a near future.