Management of COVID-19 in the Intensive Care Unit.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: A novel coronavirus was identified in the last days of 2019, which caused a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China. Since Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was identified and caused a pandemic, morbidity and mortality caused by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other disease-related complications are being struggled against in intensive care units (ICUs). METHODS: In this chapter, clinical features, epidemiological properties, and management of critically ill COVID-19 patients aree discussed with the support of recent literature. RESULTS: Since there isn't a definitively proven treatment for the disease, the management of critical illness is adequate supportive medical care based upon the basic principles of critically ill patient management. Supportive oxygen therapy modalities and mechanical ventilation strategies are most challenging issues during the course of the disease in ICUs. Additionally, using combinations of investigational drugs is beneficial for the management of the disease. Because the disease is highly contagious, infection control measures to stop the disease's nosocomial spread are crucial. CONCLUSION: The basis of management in critically ill COVID-19 patients is providing adequate ICU care. Additionally, a combination of promising treatment strategies specific to the disease may be beneficial and should be monitored carefully.