COVID-19 pandemic: overview of protective-ventilation strategy in ARDS patients.

Objectives: In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, the aim of this manuscript is to provide a standard of care of patients with ARDS for non-emergency medicine trained physicians who are not customary with mechanical ventilation.Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the literature to investigate the best practice recommendations regarding the mechanical ventilation of patients with ARDS.Conclusion: We summarized the principal strategies for lung-protective ventilation of patients with ARDS. This focus is particularly addressed to physicians who are not experienced in the invasive respiratory management of ARDS patients. Nevertheless, it remains fundamental to acknowledge that new insights concerning this quickly spreading illness become available on a regular base.

Exacerbation of atopic dermatitis in the emergency department.

A 38-year-old man was admitted to the Emergency Department suffering from an exacerbation of atopic dermatitis, fever and a burning sensation in the eyes. He was first treated with systemic corticosteroids. A subsequent dermatological and ophthalmological examination established the diagnosis of Kaposi-Juliusberg disease or eczema herpeticum with bilateral herpetic keratitis. Eczema herpeticum is an uncommon herpes simplex virus infection that occurs in patients with atopic dermatitis. Because it is a possible life-threatening condition, this disease must be recognized by all emergency physicians. The association with herpetic keratitis is not frequent but is a major ophthalmological problem. Treatment consists of the administration of high-dose intravenous acyclovir and acyclovir ophthalmic ointment.