Why COVID-19 Silent Hypoxemia Is Baffling to Physicians

Five sessions of hyperbaric oxygen for critically ill patients with COVID-19-induced ARDS: A randomised, open label, phase II trial

BACKGROUND

Few treatment options exist for patients with COVID-19-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Data on the benefits and harms of hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) for this condition is limited.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate benefits and harms of HBOT in patients with COVID-19 induced ARDS.

METHODS

In this open-label trial conducted at three hospitals in Sweden and Germany, patients with moderate to severe ARDS and at least two risk factors for unfavourable outcome, were randomly assigned (1:1) to medical oxygen 100 %, 2·4 Atmospheres absolute (ATA), 80 min (HBOT) adjuvant to best practice or to best practice alone (Control). Randomisation was stratified by sex and site. The primary endpoint was ICU admission by Day 30.

RESULTS

Between June 4, 2020, and Dec 1, 2021, 34 subjects were randomised to HBOT (N = 18) or Control (N = 16). The trial was prematurely terminated for futility. There was no statistically significant difference in ICU admission, 5 (50 %) in Control vs 13 (72 %) in HBOT. OR 2·54 [95 % CI 0·62-10·39], p = 0·19.

HARMS

102 adverse events (AEs) were recorded. 16 (94 %) subjects in the HBOT group and 14 (93 %) in the control group had at least one AE. Three serious adverse events (SAEs), were at least, possibly related to HBOT. All deaths were unlikely related to HBOT.

CONCLUSIONS

HBOT did not reduce ICU admission or mortality in patients with COVID-19-induced ARDS. The trial cannot conclude definitive benefits or harms. Treating COVID-19-induced ARDS with HBOT is feasible with a favourable harms profile.

Risk factors for mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 patients with silent hypoxemia

OBJECTIVE

To describe the predictors of mortality in hospitalized patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) due to COVID-19 presenting with silent hypoxemia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of hospitalized patients with SARS due to COVID-19 and silent hypoxemia at admission, in Brazil, from January to June 2021. The primary outcome of interest was in-hospital death. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Of 46,102 patients, the mean age was 59 ± 16 years, and 41.6% were female. During hospitalization, 13,149 patients died. Compared to survivors, non-survivors were older (mean age, 66 vs. 56 years; P < 0.001), less frequently female (43.6% vs. 40.9%; P < 0.001), and more likely to have comorbidities (74.3% vs. 56.8%; P < 0.001). Non-survivors had higher needs for invasive mechanical ventilation (42.4% vs. 6.6%; P < 0.001) and intensive care unit admission (56.9% vs. 20%; P < 0.001) compared to survivors. In the multivariable regression analysis, advanced age (OR 1.04; 95%CI 1.037-1.04), presence of comorbidities (OR 1.54; 95%CI 1.47-1.62), cough (OR 0.74; 95%CI 0.71-0.79), respiratory distress (OR 1.32; 95%CI 1.26-1.38), and need for non-invasive respiratory support (OR 0.37; 95%CI 0.35-0.40) remained independently associated with death.

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced age, presence of comorbidities, and respiratory distress were independent risk factors for mortality, while cough and requirement for non-invasive respiratory support were independent protective factors against mortality in hospitalized patients due to SARS due to COVID-19 with silent hypoxemia at presentation.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and mechanical ventilation are risk factors for dyspnea in patients with long COVID: A Japanese nationwide cohort study

BACKGROUND

Patients often experience multiple prolonged symptoms following acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recovery, defined as long coronavirus disease (COVID). Patients with long COVID may experience dyspnea during acute and post-acute phases. Therefore, this study aimed to identify specific risk factors for dyspnea in patients with long COVID.

METHODS

Hospitalized patients with COVID-19, aged ≥18 years, were enrolled in this multicenter cohort study conducted at 26 medical institutions across Japan. Clinical data during hospitalization and patient-reported outcomes after discharge at the 3, 6, and 12-month follow-ups were retrieved from medical records and paper-based or smartphone application-based questionnaires, respectively.

RESULTS

Generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) analysis of prolonged dyspnea at each time point during follow-up showed that this symptom was associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (odds ratio [OR], 2.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31-5.74), asthma (OR, 2.21; 95%CI, 1.17-4.16), and ventilator management (OR, 3.10; 95%CI, 1.65-5.83). In addition, patients with COPD (44.4%) and ventilator management (25.0%) were more frequently associated with delayed dyspnea onset. The generalized estimating equations analysis results with multiple imputed datasets, conducted as a sensitivity analysis, confirmed the adjusted GLMM analysis results.

CONCLUSIONS

Prolonged dyspnea was associated with COPD, asthma, and severe infection that required mechanical ventilation in the Japanese population with long COVID. Further investigation is needed to clarify its mechanism and develop prophylactic and therapeutic strategies for dyspnea in patients with long COVID.

Intracranial compliance in patients with COVID-19: a multicenter observational study

BACKGROUND

 Patients with severe coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) may require the use of invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) for prolonged periods. Aggressive MV parameters have been associated with changes in intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with acute intracranial disorders. Significant ICP elevation could compromise intracranial compliance (ICC) and cerebrovascular hemodynamics (CVH). However, the effects of these parameters in individuals without neurological disorders have not yet been evaluated.

OBJECTIVE

 To evaluate ICC in patients on MV with COVID-19 infection compared to other diagnoses, to better characterize the effects of MV and COVID-19 upon ICC. We also compared between the ICC in patients with COVID-19 who did not require MV and healthy volunteers, to assess the isolated effect of COVID-19 upon ICC.

METHODS

 This was an exploratory, observational study with a convenience sample. The ICC was evaluated with a noninvasive ICP monitoring device. The P2/P1 ratio was calculated by dividing the amplitude of these two points, being defined as "abnormal" when P2 > P1. The statistical analysis was performed using a mixed linear model with random effects to compare the P2/P1 ratio in all four groups on the first monitoring day.

RESULTS

 A convenience sample of 78 subjects (15 MV-COVID-19, 15 MV non-COVID-19, 24 non-MV-COVID-19, and 24 healthy participants) was prospectively enrolled. There was no difference in P2/P1 ratios between MV patients with and without COVID-19, nor between non-MV patients with COVID-19 and healthy volunteers. However, the P2/P1 ratio was higher in COVID-19 patients with MV use than in those without it.

CONCLUSION

 This exploratory analysis suggests that COVID-19 does not impair ICC.

Understanding the Evolving Pathophysiology of Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Adult Nursing Management

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first identified in December 2019 and quickly became a global pandemic. The understanding of the pathophysiology, treatment, and management of the disease has evolved since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. COVID-19 can be complicated by immune system dysfunction, lung injury with hypoxemia, acute kidney injury, and coagulopathy. The treatment and management of COVID-19 is based on the severity of illness, ranging from asymptomatic to severe and often life-threatening disease. The 3 main recommended medication classes include antivirals, immunomodulators, and anticoagulants. Other supportive therapies include ensuring adequate oxygenation, mechanical ventilation, and prone positioning.

Transient Changes in Cerebral Tissue Oxygen, Glucose, and Temperature by Microstrokes: A Computational Study

OBJECTIVE

This study focuses on evaluating the disruptions in key physiological parameters during microstroke events to assess their severity.

METHODS

A mathematical model was developed to simulate the changes in cerebral tissue pO2, glucose concentration, and temperature due to blood flow interruptions. The model considers variations in baseline cerebral blood flow (CBF), capillary density, and blood oxygen/glucose levels, as well as ambient temperature changes.

RESULTS

Simulations indicate that complete blood flow obstruction still allows for limited glucose availability, supporting nonoxidative metabolism and potentially exacerbating lactate buildup and acidosis. Partial obstructions decrease tissue pO2, with minimal impact on glucose level, which can remain almost unchanged or even slightly increase. Reduced CBF, capillary density, or blood oxygen due to aging or disease enhances hypoxia risk at lower obstruction levels, with capillary density having a significant effect on stroke severity by influencing both pO2 and glucose levels. Conditions could lead to co-occurrence of hypoxia/hypoglycemia or hypoxia/hyperglycemia, each worsening outcomes. Temperature effects were minimal in deep brain regions but varied near the skull by 0.2-0.8°C depending on ambient temperature.

CONCLUSIONS

The model provides insights into the conditions driving severe stroke outcomes based on estimated levels of hypoxia, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and temperature changes.

Impacts of SARS-CoV-2 on brain renin angiotensin system related signaling and its subsequent complications on brain: A theoretical perspective

Cellular ACE2 (cACE2), a vital component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), possesses catalytic activity to maintain AngII and Ang 1-7 balance, which is necessary to prevent harmful effects of AngII/AT2R and promote protective pathways of Ang (1-7)/MasR and Ang (1-7)/AT2R. Hemostasis of the brain-RAS is essential for maintaining normal central nervous system (CNS) function. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a viral disease that causes multi-organ dysfunction. SARS-CoV-2 mainly uses cACE2 to enter the cells and cause its downregulation. This, in turn, prevents the conversion of Ang II to Ang (1-7) and disrupts the normal balance of brain-RAS. Brain-RAS disturbances give rise to one of the pathological pathways in which SARS-CoV-2 suppresses neuroprotective pathways and induces inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species. Finally, these impairments lead to neuroinflammation, neuronal injury, and neurological complications. In conclusion, the influence of RAS on various processes within the brain has significant implications for the neurological manifestations associated with COVID-19. These effects include sensory disturbances, such as olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions, as well as cerebrovascular and brain stem-related disorders, all of which are intertwined with disruptions in the RAS homeostasis of the brain.

Treatment and Care for Nursing Home Residents with COVID-19: A Qualitative Study

Purpose

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) placed a significant strain on nursing homes, leading to numerous outbreaks and high mortality rates. This situation created considerable stress and challenges for residents, their physicians and nurses, as well as family caregivers. By understanding these challenges, we can gain new insights and learn valuable lessons. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine the treatment and care provided to nursing home residents with COVID-19, as experienced by physicians, nurses, and family caregivers.

Participants and Methods

This study is a secondary analysis of 35 interviews with physicians, nurses, and family caregivers, each with personal experience caring for nursing home residents diagnosed with COVID-19. The interviews took place from December 2020 to April 2021. We analyzed the transcriptions based on Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis model and followed a qualitative descriptive design as outlined by Sandelowski.

Findings

The analysis produced three themes: 1) Balancing medical treatment, 2) The need for increased systematic monitoring of vital functions, and 3) Determining the treatment level for nursing home residents. These themes were explored through the unique perspectives of the three participant groups: physicians, nurses, and family caregivers. The findings revealed several challenges related to treatment and care for nursing home residents diagnosed with COVID-19. This applied both to relief of symptoms, monitoring of vital functions, assessment of treatment level and use of advance care planning.

Conclusion

Drawing from the experiences of physicians, nurses, and family caregivers, there should be a unified plan at the municipal or national level for competency development in nursing homes to prepare for future crises like pandemics or epidemics. Additionally, the safe engagement of family caregivers and relatives should be given priority.

Basing intubation of acutely hypoxemic patients on physiologic principles

The decision to intubate a patient with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure who is not in apparent respiratory distress is one of the most difficult clinical decisions faced by intensivists. A conservative approach exposes patients to the dangers of hypoxemia, while a liberal approach exposes them to the dangers of inserting an endotracheal tube and invasive mechanical ventilation. To assist intensivists in this decision, investigators have used various thresholds of peripheral or arterial oxygen saturation, partial pressure of oxygen, partial pressure of oxygen-to-fraction of inspired oxygen ratio, and arterial oxygen content. In this review we will discuss how each of these oxygenation indices provides inaccurate information about the volume of oxygen transported in the arterial blood (convective oxygen delivery) or the pressure gradient driving oxygen from the capillaries to the cells (diffusive oxygen delivery). The decision to intubate hypoxemic patients is further complicated by our nescience of the critical point below which global and cerebral oxygen supply become delivery-dependent in the individual patient. Accordingly, intubation requires a nuanced understanding of oxygenation indexes. In this review, we will also discuss our approach to intubation based on clinical observations and physiologic principles. Specifically, we consider intubation when hypoxemic patients, who are neither in apparent respiratory distress nor in shock, become cognitively impaired suggesting emergent cerebral hypoxia. When deciding to intubate, we also consider additional factors including estimates of cardiac function, peripheral perfusion, arterial oxygen content and its determinants. It is not possible, however, to pick an oxygenation breakpoint below which the benefits of mechanical ventilation decidedly outweigh its hazards. It is futile to imagine that decision making about instituting mechanical ventilation in an individual patient can be condensed into an algorithm with absolute numbers at each nodal point. In sum, an algorithm cannot replace the presence of a physician well skilled in the art of clinical evaluation who has a deep understanding of pathophysiologic principles.

Post-Hospitalization Home Monitoring Programs During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Survey Results from the Hospital Medicine Re-engineering Network (HOMERuN)

BACKGROUND

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, hospitals and healthcare systems launched innovative responses to emerging needs. The creation and use of programs to remotely follow patient clinical status and recovery after COVID-19 hospitalization has not been thoroughly described.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize deployment of remote post-hospital discharge monitoring programs during the COVID-19 pandemic METHODS: Electronic surveys were administered to leaders of 83 US academic hospitals in the Hospital Medicine Re-engineering Network (HOMERuN). An initial survey was completed in March 2021 with follow-up survey completed in July 2022.

RESULTS

There were 35 responses to the initial survey (42%) and 15 responses to the follow-up survey (43%). Twenty-two (63%) sites reported a post-discharge monitoring program, 16 of which were newly developed for COVID-19. Physiologic monitoring devices such as pulse oximeters were often provided. Communication with medical teams was often via telephone, with moderate use of apps or electronic medical record integration. Programs launched most commonly between January and June 2020. Only three programs were still active at the time of follow-up survey.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate rapid, ad hoc development of post-hospital discharge monitoring programs during the COVID-19 pandemic but with little standardization or evaluation. Additional study could identify the benefits of these programs, instruct their potential application to other disease processes, and inform further development as part of emergency preparedness for upcoming crises.

Evaluation of the predictors and frequency of silent hypoxemia in COVID-19 patients and the gap between pulse oximeter and arterial blood gas levels: A cross-sectional study

Background

Silent hypoxemia is when patients do not experience breathing difficulty in the presence of alarmingly low O2 saturation. It could cause rapid deterioration and higher mortality rates among patients, so prompt detection and identifying predictive factors could result in significantly better outcomes. This study aims to document the evidence of silent hypoxemia in patients with COVID-19 and its clinical features.

Methods

A total of 78 hospitalized, nonintubated patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection were included in this study. Their O2 saturation was measured with a pulse oximeter (PO), and arterial blood gas (ABG) was taken. Demographic and clinical features were recorded. The Borg scale was used to evaluate dyspnea status, and patients with a score of less than two accompanied by O2 saturation of less than 94% were labeled as silent hypoxic. Univariate analysis was utilized to evaluate the correlation between variables and their odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Silent hypoxemia was observed in 20 (25.6%) of the participants. The average difference between the PO and ABG methods was 4.36 ± 3.43. Based on regression analysis, dyspnea and respiratory rate demonstrated a statistically significant correlation with the O2 saturation difference between PO and ABG (OR: 2.05; p = 0.026; 95% CI: 0.248-3.847 and OR: 0.144; p = 0.048, 95% CI: 0.001-0.286). Furthermore, the Borg scale (OR: 0.29; p = 0.009; 95% CI: 0.116-0.740) had a significant reverse correlation with silent hypoxia.

Conclusions

Silent hypoxemia can be a possible complication that affects some COVID-19 patients. Further care should be bestowed upon the younger population and those with underlying neurological or mental illnesses. Furthermore, the respiratory rate, pulse oximeter, and arterial blood gas O2 levels should be considered alongside each other.

The bidirectional links between coronavirus disease 2019 and Alzheimer's disease

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can be a critical disease, particularly in the elderly and those with comorbidities. Patients with Alzheimer's disease are more vulnerable to COVID-19 consequences. The latest results have indicated some common risk factors for both diseases. An understanding of the pathological link between COVID-19 and Alzheimer's disease will help develop timely strategies to treat both diseases. This review explores the bidirectional links between COVID-19 and Alzheimer's disease.

Oxygen debt as a predictor of high-flow nasal cannula therapy failure in SARS-CoV-2 patients with acute respiratory failure: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is known for its rapid progression to acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF). The increased use of oxygen therapy during the pandemic and the progression of AHRF have highlighted the need to promptly determine the need for orotracheal intubation (OTI).

OBJETIVE

To determine the validity of quantitative measurement of oxygen debt (DEOx) according to arterial gases compared to the use of iROX in patients with high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy requirement, presenting with acute respiratory failure as a consequence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, we aimed to identify the factors associated with the need for orotracheal intubation (OTI).

METHODS

A retrospective observational cohort study of a database collected from patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to intensive care units with AHRF and had received HFNC upon admission during the Covid-19 pandemic (March 23, 2020 through August 02, 2021). The variables of interest were factors determining the predictive ability of DEOx and iROX. We used a multiple logarithmic regression model to correct for confounding and mixed-effects variables, and validated for OTI in patients treated with HFNC.

RESULTS

From a total of 373 patients treated with HFNC, 317 patients (84.9%) required invasive mechanical ventilation. APACHE II (AOR 1.44; 95% CI: 1.14-1.83, p 0,032), vasopressor use (AOR 27.7; 95% CI: 1.83 - 420,63, p 0,017), and DEOx (AOR 1.26; 95% CI: 1.10 - 1.44, p 0,001) were associated with the need for intubation. The predictive model between iROX and DEOx evidenced an AUC of 0.535 vs. 0.606, respectively, with a DEOx cut off point of 7.14 (±10.16, p < 0.01). DEOx as an independent factor of OTI presents an OR 2,48 with cut point 4.5 mlO2/kg (AUC 0.780, CI 95%, 0.753 - 0.808, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

DEOx is a valuable measurment to identify the need for OTI in patients with SARS-CoV-2 who were under management with HFNC with a predictive value superior to iROX, being a reproducible and valid quantitative method for the need OTI that can be implemented in other critically illconditions. Further studies are required to characterize the usefulness of DEOx more precisely.

Acute Respiratory Failure From Early Pandemic COVID-19: Noninvasive Respiratory Support vs Mechanical Ventilation

BACKGROUND

The optimal strategy for initial respiratory support in patients with respiratory failure associated with COVID-19 is unclear, and the initial strategy may affect outcomes.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Which initial respiratory support strategy is associated with improved outcomes in patients with COVID-19 with acute respiratory failure?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

All patients with COVID-19 requiring respiratory support and admitted to a large health care network were eligible for inclusion. We compared patients treated initially with noninvasive respiratory support (NIRS; noninvasive positive pressure ventilation by facemask or high-flow nasal oxygen) with patients treated initially with invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). The primary outcome was time to in-hospital death analyzed using an inverse probability of treatment weighted Cox model adjusted for potential confounders. Secondary outcomes included unweighted and weighted assessments of mortality, lengths of stay (ICU and hospital), and time to intubation.

RESULTS

Nearly one-half of the 2,354 patients (47%) who met inclusion criteria received IMV first, and 53% received initial NIRS. Overall, in-hospital mortality was 38% (37% for IMV and 39% for NIRS). Initial NIRS was associated with an increased hazard of death compared with initial IMV (hazard ratio, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.03-1.94), but also an increased hazard of leaving the hospital sooner that waned with time (noninvasive support by time interaction: hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95-0.98).

INTERPRETATION

Patients with COVID-19 with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure initially treated with NIRS showed an increased hazard of in-hospital death.

ROX index performance to predict high-flow nasal oxygen outcome in Covid-19 related hypoxemic acute respiratory failure

BACKGROUND

Given the pathophysiology of hypoxemia in patients with Covid-19 acute respiratory failure (ARF), it seemed necessary to evaluate whether ROX index (ratio SpO2/FiO2 to respiratory rate) could accurately predict intubation or death in these patients initially treated by high-flow nasal oxygenation (HFNO). We aimed, therefore, to assess the accuracy of ROX index to discriminate between HFNO failure (sensitivity) and HFNO success (specificity).

METHODS

We designed a multicentre retrospective cohort study including consecutive patients with Covid-19 ARF. In addition to its accuracy, we assessed the usefulness of ROX index to predict HFNO failure (intubation or death) via logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among 218 ARF patients screened, 99 were first treated with HFNO, including 49 HFNO failures (46 intubations, 3 deaths before intubation). At HFNO initiation (H0), ROX index sensitivity was 63% (95%CI 48-77%) and specificity 76% (95%CI 62-87%) using Youden's index. With 4.88 as ROX index cut-off at H12, sensitivity was 29% (95%CI 14-48%) and specificity 90% (95%CI 78-97%). Youden's index yielded 8.73 as ROX index cut-off at H12, with 87% sensitivity (95%CI 70-96%) and 45% specificity (95%CI 31-60%). ROX index at H0 was associated with HFNO failure (p = 0.0005) in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that SAPS II (p = 0.0003) and radiographic extension of pulmonary injuries (p = 0.0263), rather than ROX index, were predictive of HFNO failure.

CONCLUSIONS

ROX index cut-off values seem population-specific and the ROX index appears to have a technically acceptable but clinically low capability to discriminate between HFNO failures and successes in Covid-19 ARF patients. In addition, SAPS II and pulmonary injuries at ICU admission appear more useful than ROX index to predict the risk of intubation.

A randomized open-label clinical trial on the effect of Amantadine on post Covid 19 fatigue

Many COVID-19 survivors experience lingering post-COVID-19 symptoms, notably chronic fatigue persisting for months after the acute phase. Despite its prevalence, limited research has explored effective treatments for post-COVID-19 fatigue. This randomized controlled clinical trial assessed the impact of Amantadine on patients with post-COVID-19 fatigue. The intervention group received Amantadine for two weeks, while the control group received no treatment. Fatigue levels were assessed using the Visual Analog Fatigue Scale (VAFS) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) questionnaires before and after the trial. At the study's onset, VAFS mean scores were 7.90 ± 0.60 in the intervention group and 7.34 ± 0.58 in the control group (P-value = 0.087). After two weeks, intervention group scores dropped to 3.37 ± 0.44, significantly lower than the control group's 5.97 ± 0.29 (P-value < 0.001). Similarly, FSS mean scores at the trial's commencement were 53.10 ± 5.96 in the intervention group and 50.38 ± 4.88 in the control group (P-value = 0.053). At the trial's end, intervention group scores decreased to 28.40 ± 2.42, markedly lower than the control group's 42.59 ± 1.50 (P-value < 0.001). In this study, we report the safety, tolerability, and substantial fatigue-relieving effects of Amantadine in post-COVID-19 fatigue. The intervention demonstrates a statistically significant reduction in fatigue levels, suggesting Amantadine's potential as an effective treatment for this persistent condition.

Anti-PD-L1 therapy altered inflammation but not survival in a lethal murine hepatitis virus-1 pneumonia model

Introduction

Because prior immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy in cancer patients presenting with COVID-19 may affect outcomes, we investigated the beta-coronavirus, murine hepatitis virus (MHV)-1, in a lethal pneumonia model in the absence (Study 1) or presence of prior programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) antibody (PD-L1mAb) treatment (Study 2).

Methods

In Study 1, animals were inoculated intratracheally with MHV-1 or vehicle and evaluated at day 2, 5, and 10 after infection. In Study 2, uninfected or MHV-1-infected animals were pretreated intraperitoneally with control or PD-L1-blocking antibodies (PD-L1mAb) and evaluated at day 2 and 5 after infection. Each study examined survival, physiologic and histologic parameters, viral titers, lung immunophenotypes, and mediator production.

Results

Study 1 results recapitulated the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and revealed increased cell surface expression of checkpoint molecules (PD-L1, PD-1), higher expression of the immune activation marker angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), but reduced detection of the MHV-1 receptor CD66a on immune cells in the lung, liver, and spleen. In addition to reduced detection of PD-L1 on all immune cells assayed, PD-L1 blockade was associated with increased cell surface expression of PD-1 and ACE, decreased cell surface detection of CD66a, and improved oxygen saturation despite reduced blood glucose levels and increased signs of tissue hypoxia. In the lung, PD-L1mAb promoted S100A9 but inhibited ACE2 production concomitantly with pAKT activation and reduced FOXO1 levels. PD-L1mAb promoted interferon-γ but inhibited IL-5 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) production, contributing to reduced bronchoalveolar lavage levels of eosinophils and neutrophils. In the liver, PD-L1mAb increased viral clearance in association with increased macrophage and lymphocyte recruitment and liver injury. PD-L1mAb increased the production of virally induced mediators of injury, angiogenesis, and neuronal activity that may play role in COVID-19 and ICI-related neurotoxicity. PD-L1mAb did not affect survival in this murine model.

Discussion

In Study 1 and Study 2, ACE was upregulated and CD66a and ACE2 were downregulated by either MHV-1 or PD-L1mAb. CD66a is not only the MHV-1 receptor but also an identified immune checkpoint and a negative regulator of ACE. Crosstalk between CD66a and PD-L1 or ACE/ACE2 may provide insight into ICI therapies. These networks may also play role in the increased production of S100A9 and neurological mediators in response to MHV-1 and/or PD-L1mAb, which warrant further study. Overall, these findings support observational data suggesting that prior ICI treatment does not alter survival in patients presenting with COVID-19.

Respiratory rate‑oxygenation (ROX) index for predicting high-flow nasal cannula failure in patients with and without COVID-19

BACKGROUND

The predictive value of the respiratory rate‑oxygenation (ROX) index for a high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in patients with COVID-19 with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) may differ from patients without COVID-19 with AHRF, but these patients have not yet been compared. We compared the diagnostic accuracy of the ROX index for HFNC failure in patients with AHRF with and without COVID-19 during acute emergency department (ED) visits.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with AHRF treated with an HFNC in an ED between October 2020 and April 2022. The ROX index was calculated at 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h after HFNC placement. The primary outcome was the failure of the HFNC, which was defined as the need for subsequent intubation or death within 72 h. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate discriminative power of the ROX index for HFNC failure.

RESULTS

Among 448 patients with AHRF treated with an HFNC in an ED, 78 (17.4%) patients were confirmed to have COVID-19. There was no significant difference in the HFNC failure rates between the non-COVID-19 and COVID-19 groups (29.5% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.498). The median ROX index was higher in the non-COVID-19 group than in the COVID-19 group at all time points. The prognostic power of the ROX index for HFNC failure as evaluated by the area under the ROC curve was generally higher in the COVID-19 group (0.73-0.83) than the non-COVID-19 group (0.62-0.75). The timing of the highest prognostic value of the ROX index for HFNC failure was at 4 h for the non-COVID-19 group, whereas in the COVID-19 group, its performance remained consistent from 1 h to 6 h. The optimal cutoff values were 6.48 and 5.79 for the non-COVID-19 and COVID-19 groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The ROX index had an acceptable discriminative power for predicting HFNC failure in patients with AHRF with and without COVID-19 in the ED. However, the higher ROX index thresholds than those in previous publications involving intensive care unit (ICU) patients suggest the need for careful monitoring and establishment of a new threshold for patients admitted outside the ICU.

Stratification of COVID-19 Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure for Response to High-Flow Nasal Cannula: A Retrospective Observational Study

Background and Objectives: In patients with COVID-19, high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) are widely applied as initial treatments for moderate-to-severe acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. The aim of the study was to assess which respiratory supports improve 28-day mortality and to identify a predictive index of treatment response. Materials and Methods: This is a single-center retrospective observational study including 159 consecutive adult patients with COVID-19 and moderate-to-severe hypoxemic acute respiratory failure. Results: A total of 159 patients (82 in the CPAP group and 77 in the HFNC group) were included in the study. Mortality within 28 days was significantly lower with HFNC compared to CPAP (16.8% vs. 50%), while ICU admission and tracheal intubation within 28 days were significantly higher with CPAP compared to HFNC treatment (32% vs. 13%). We identified an index for survival in HFNC by including three variables easily available at admission (LDH, age, and respiratory rate) and the PaO2/FiO2 ratio at 48 h. The index showed high discrimination for survival with an AUC of 0.88, a negative predictive value of 86%, and a positive predictive value of 95%. Conclusions: Treatment with HFNC appears to be associated with greater survival and fewer ICU admission than CPAP. LDH, respiratory rate, age, and PaO2/FiO2 at 48 h were independently associated with survival and an index based on these variables allows for the prediction of treatment success and the assessment of patient allocation to the appropriate intensity of care after 48 h. Further research is warranted to determine effects on other outcomes and to assess the performance of the index in larger cohorts.

Photodynamic Action of Curcumin and Methylene Blue against Bacteria and SARS-CoV-2-A Review

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has occurred for more than four years, and the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing COVID-19 is a strain of coronavirus, which presents high rates of morbidity around the world. Up to the present date, there are no therapeutics that can avert this form of illness, and photodynamic therapy (PDT) may be an alternative approach against SARS-CoV-2. Curcumin and methylene blue have been approved and used in clinical practices as a photosensitizer in PDT for a long time with their anti-viral properties and for disinfection through photo-inactivated SARS-CoV-2. Previously, curcumin and methylene blue with antibacterial properties have been used against Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa).

METHODS

To conduct a literature review, nine electronic databases were researched, such as WanFang Data, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Springer Link, SciFinder, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), without any regard to language constraints. In vitro and in vivo studies were included that evaluated the effect of PDT mediated via curcumin or methylene blue to combat bacteria and SARS-CoV-2. All eligible studies were analyzed and summarized in this review.

RESULTS

Curcumin and methylene blue inhibited the replication of SARS-CoV-2. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated during the treatment of PDT with curcumin and methylene blue to prevent the attachment of SARS-CoV-2 on the ACE2 receptor and damage to the nucleic acids either DNA or RNA. It also modulates pro-inflammatory cytokines and attenuates the clotting effects of the host response.

CONCLUSION

The photodynamic action of curcumin and methylene blue provides a possible approach against bacteria and SARS-CoV-2 infection because they act as non-toxic photosensitizers in PDT with an antibacterial effect, anti-viral properties, and disinfection functions.

Ventilatory Management of Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Due to SARS-CoV-2

The emergence of the new SARS-CoV-2 in December 2019 caused a worldwide pandemic of the resultant disease, COVID-19. There was a massive surge in admissions to intensive care units (ICU), notably of patients with hypoxaemic acute respiratory failure. In these patients, optimal oxygen therapy was crucial. In this article, we discuss tracheal intubation to provide mechanical ventilation in patients with hypoxaemic acute respiratory failure due to SARS-CoV-2. We first describe the pathophysiology of respiratory anomalies leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to infection with SARS-CoV-2, and then briefly review management, focusing particularly on the ventilation strategy. Overall, the ventilatory management of ARDS due to SARS-CoV-2 infection is largely the same as that applied in ARDS from other causes, and lung-protective ventilation is recommended. The difference lies in the initial clinical presentation, with profound hypoxaemia often observed concomitantly with near-normal pulmonary compliance.

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Response to Hypoxia

Louis, Alexandre, Charlotte Pröpper, Yann Savina, Corentin Tanne, Guy Duperrex, Paul Robach, Pascal Zellner, Stéphane Doutreleau, Jean-Michel Boulet, Alain Frey, Fabien Pillard, Cristina Pistea, Mathias Poussel, Thomas Thuet, Jean-Paul Richalet, and François Lecoq-Jammes. The impact of COVID-19 on the response to hypoxia. High Alt Med Biol. 24:321-328, 2023. Background: Severe high-altitude illness (SHAI) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), while differing in most aspects of pathophysiology, both involve respiratory capacity. We examined the long-term impact of COVID-19 on response to hypoxia in individuals free of symptoms but having tested positive during the pandemic. The need for recommendations for such individuals planning a stay at high altitude are discussed. Methods: This multicenter study recruited participants from the multiSHAI cohort, all of whom had previously undergone a hypoxic exercise test. These participants were classified into two groups depending on whether they had since suffered mild-to-moderate COVID-19 (COVID+) or not (Control) and then asked to retake the test. Primary outcomes were: desaturation induced by hypoxia at exercise (ΔSpE), hypoxic cardiac response at exercise, hypoxic ventilatory response at exercise, and SHAI risk score. Results: A total of 68 participants retook the test, 36 classified in the COVID+ group. Analyses of primary outcomes showed no significant differences between groups. However, the COVID+ group showed significantly increased ventilation (VE) parameters during both hypoxic (p = 0.003) and normoxic exercise (p = 0.007). However, only the VE/oxygen consumption relationship during hypoxic exercise was significantly different. Conclusion: This study demonstrates no negative impact of COVID-19 on response to hypoxia as evaluated by the Richalet test. Clinical Trial Registration: NTC number: NCT05167357.

Multidimensional dynamic prediction model for hospitalized patients with the omicron variant in China

Purpose

To establish dynamic prediction models by machine learning using daily multidimensional data for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients.

Methods

Hospitalized COVID-19 patients at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from Nov 2nd, 2022, to Jan 13th, 2023, were enrolled in this study. The outcome was defined as deterioration or recovery of the patient's condition. Demographics, comorbidities, laboratory test results, vital signs, and treatments were used to train the model. To predict the following days, a separate XGBoost model was trained and validated. The Shapley additive explanations method was used to analyze feature importance.

Results

A total of 995 patients were enrolled, generating 7228 and 3170 observations for each prediction model. In the deterioration prediction model, the minimum area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for the following 7 days was 0.786 (95% CI 0.721-0.851), while the AUROC on the next day was 0.872 (0.831-0.913). In the recovery prediction model, the minimum AUROC for the following 3 days was 0.675 (0.583-0.767), while the AUROC on the next day was 0.823 (0.770-0.876). The top 5 features for deterioration prediction on the 7th day were disease course, length of hospital stay, hypertension, and diastolic blood pressure. Those for recovery prediction on the 3rd day were age, D-dimer levels, disease course, creatinine levels and corticosteroid therapy.

Conclusion

The models could accurately predict the dynamics of Omicron patients' conditions using daily multidimensional variables, revealing important features including comorbidities (e.g., hyperlipidemia), age, disease course, vital signs, D-dimer levels, corticosteroid therapy and oxygen therapy.

Are there differences in the relationship between respiratory rate and oxygen saturation between patients with COVID-19 and those without COVID-19? Insights from a cohort-based correlational study

BACKGROUND

Physicians have observed patients with COVID-19 without respiratory distress despite marked hypoxaemia and extensive radiographic abnormalities, a controversial phenomenon called 'silent hypoxaemia'. We aimed to compare the relationship between RR and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) in patients with COVID-19 versus patients without COVID-19 when breathing air on admission.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective multicentre ED cohort correlational study.We used the Spanish Investigators on Emergency Situations TeAm network cohort of patients with COVID-19 admitted to 61 Spanish EDs between March and April 2020. The non-COVID-19 cohort included patients with lower respiratory tract bacterial infections admitted between January 2016 and April 2018.We built a multivariable linear model to investigate the independent predictive factors related to RR and a logistic multivariate regression model to analyse the presence of 'silent hypoxaemia'.

RESULTS

We included 1094 patients with COVID-19 and 477 patients without COVID-19. On admission, RR was lower (20±7 vs 24±8/min, p<0.0001), while SpO2 higher (95±5% vs 90±7%, p<0.0001) in patients with COVID-19 versus patients without COVID-19. RR was negatively associated with SpO2 (RR decreasing with increasing age, beta=-0.37, 95% CI (-0.43; -0.31), p<0.0001), positively associated with age (RR increasing with increasing age, beta=0.05, 95% CI (0.03; 0.07), p<0.0001) and negatively associated with COVID-19 status (RR lower in patients with COVID-19, beta=-1.90, 95% CI (-2.65; -1.15), p<0.0001). The negative RR/SpO2 correlation differed between patients with COVID-19 aged <80 and ≥80 years old (p=0.04). Patients with COVID-19 aged ≥80 years old had lower RR than patients without COVID-19 aged ≥80 years old at SpO2 values <95% (22±7 vs 24±8/min, p=0.004). 'Silent hypoxaemia' defined as RR <20/min with SpO2 <95% was observed in 162 (14.8%) patients with COVID-19 and in 79 (16.6%) patients without COVID-19 (p=0.4). 'Silent hypoxaemia' was associated with age ≥80 years (OR=1.01 (1.01; 1.03), p<0.0001) but not with gender, comorbidities and COVID-19 status.

CONCLUSION

The RR/SpO2 relationship before oxygen administration does not differ between patients with COVID-19 and those without COVID-19, except in elderly patients.

[Ventilatory management of SARS-CoV-2 acute respiratory failure]

COVID-19 pneumonia presents several particularities in its clinical presentation (cytokine storm, silent hypoxemia, thrombo-embolic risk) and may lead to a number of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) phenotypes. While the optimal oxygenation strategy in cases of hypoxemic acute respiratory failure (ARF) is still under debate, ventilatory management of COVID-19-related ARF has confirmed the efficacy of high-flow oxygen therapy and restored interest in other ventilatory approaches such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and noninvasive ventilation involving a helmet, which due to patient overflow are sometimes implemented outside of critical care units. However, further studies are still needed to determine which patients should be given which oxygenation technique, and under which conditions they require invasive mechanical ventilation, given that delayed initiation potentially burdens prognosis. During invasive mechanical ventilation, ventral decubitus and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation have become increasingly prevalent. While innovative therapies such as awake prone position or lung transplantation have likewise been developed, their indications, modalities and efficacy remain to be determined.

Cognitive dysfunction in post-COVID-19 condition: Mechanisms, management, and rehabilitation

The long-term effects of COVID-19 on cognitive function have become an area of increasing concern. This paper provides an overview of characteristics, risk factors, possible mechanisms, and management strategies for cognitive dysfunction in post-COVID-19 condition (PCC). Prolonged cognitive dysfunction is one of the most common impairments in PCC, affecting between 17% and 28% of the individuals more than 12 weeks after the infection and persisting in some cases for several years. Cognitive dysfunctions can be manifested as a wide range of symptoms including memory impairment, attention deficit, executive dysfunction, and reduced processing speed. Risk factors for developing PCC, with or without cognitive impairments, include advanced age, preexisting medical conditions, and the severity of acute illness. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear, but proposed contributors include neuroinflammation, hypoxia, vascular damage, and latent virus reactivation not excluding the possibility of direct viral invasion of the central nervous system, illustrating complex viral pathology. As the individual variation of the cognitive impairments is large, a neuropsychological examination and a person-centered multidimensional approach are required. According to the World Health Organization, limited evidence on COVID-19-related cognitive impairments necessitates implementing rehabilitation interventions from established practices of similar conditions. Psychoeducation and compensatory skills training are recommended. Assistive products and environmental modifications adapted to individual needs might be helpful. In specific attention- and working memory dysfunctions, cognitive training-carefully monitored for intensity-might be effective for people who do not suffer from post-exertional malaise. Further research is crucial for evidence-based interventions specific to COVID-19-related cognitive impairments.

Exercise testing to guide safe discharge from hospital in COVID-19: a scoping review to identify candidate tests

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to identify exercise tests that have been validated to support a safe discharge to home in patients with or without COVID-19.

STUDY DESIGN

Scoping review, using PRISMA-ScR reporting standards. Medline, PubMed, AMED, Embase, CINAHL and LitCovid databases were searched between 16 and 22 February 2021, with studies included from any publication date up to and including the search date.

INTERVENTION

Short exercise tests.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Safe discharge from hospital, readmission rate, length of hospital stay, mortality. Secondary outcomes measures: safety, feasibility and reliability.

RESULTS

Of 1612 original records screened, 19 studies were included in the analysis. These used a variety of exercise tests in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, suspected pulmonary embolism and pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, heart failure or critical illness. Only six studies had examined patients with COVID-19, of these two were still recruiting to evaluate the 1 min sit-to-stand test and the 40-steps test. There was heterogeneity in patient populations, tests used and outcome measures. Few exercise tests have been validated to support discharge decisions. There is currently no support for short exercise tests for triage of care in patients with COVID-19.

CONCLUSIONS

Further research is needed to aid clinical decision-making at discharge from hospital.

The normal distribution of the hypoxic ventilatory response and methodological impacts: a meta-analysis and computational investigation

The hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) is the increase in breathing in response to reduced arterial oxygen pressure. Over several decades, studies have revealed substantial population-level differences in the magnitude of the HVR as well as significant inter-individual variation. In particular, low HVRs occur frequently in Andean high-altitude native populations. However, our group conducted hundreds of HVR measures over several years and commonly observed low responses in sea-level populations as well. As a result, we aimed to determine the normal HVR distribution, whether low responses were common, and to what extent variation in study protocols influence these findings. We conducted a comprehensive search of the literature and examined the distributions of HVR values across 78 studies that utilized step-down/steady-state or progressive hypoxia methods in untreated, healthy human subjects. Several studies included multiple datasets across different populations or experimental conditions. In the final analysis, 72 datasets reported mean HVR values and 60 datasets provided raw HVR datasets. Of the 60 datasets reporting raw HVR values, 35 (58.3%) were at least moderately positively skewed (skew > 0.5), and 21 (35%) were significantly positively skewed (skew > 1), indicating that lower HVR values are common. The skewness of HVR distributions does not appear to be an artifact of methodology or the unit with which the HVR is reported. Further analysis demonstrated that the use of step-down hypoxia versus progressive hypoxia methods did not have a significant impact on average HVR values, but that isocapnic protocols produced higher HVRs than poikilocapnic protocols. This work provides a reference for expected HVR values and illustrates substantial inter-individual variation in this key reflex. Finally, the prevalence of low HVRs in the general population provides insight into our understanding of blunted HVRs in high-altitude adapted groups. KEY POINTS: The hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) plays a crucial role in determining an individual's predisposition to hypoxia-related pathologies. There is notable variability in HVR sensitivity across individuals as well as significant population-level differences. We report that the normal distribution of the HVR is positively skewed, with a significant prevalence of low HVR values amongst the general healthy population. We also find no significant impact of the experimental protocol used to induce hypoxia, although HVR is greater with isocapnic versus poikilocapnic methods. These results provide insight into the normal distribution of the HVR, which could be useful in clinical decisions of diseases related to hypoxaemia. Additionally, the low HVR values found within the general population provide insight into the genetic adaptations found in populations residing in high altitudes.

Association of carbon monoxide poisonings and carboxyhemoglobin levels with COVID-19 and clinical severity

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which recently spread throughout the entire world, is still a significant health issue. Additionally, the most common cause of risky poisoning in emergency services is carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Both disorders seem to merit more research as they have an impact on all bodily systems via the lungs.

AIM

To determine how arterial blood gas and carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels affect the clinical and prognostic results of individuals requiring emergency treatment who have both COVID-19 and CO poisoning.

METHODS

Between January 2018 and December 2021, 479 CO-poisoning patients participated in this single-center, retrospective study. Patients were primarily divided into two groups for analysis: Pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. Additionally, the pandemic era was divided into categories based on the presence of COVID-19 and, if present, the clinical severity of the infection. The hospital information system was used to extract patient demographic, clinical, arterial blood gas, COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction, and other laboratory data.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 479 patients was 54.93 ± 11.51 years, and 187 (39%) were female. 226 (47%) patients were in the pandemic group and 143 (30%) of them had a history of COVID-19. While the mean potential of hydrogen (pH) in arterial blood gas of all patients was 7.28 ± 0.15, it was 7.35 ± 0.10 in the pre-pandemic group and 7.05 ± 0.16 in the severe group during the pandemic period (P < 0.001). COHb was 23.98 ± 4.19% in the outpatients and 45.26% ± 3.19% in the mortality group (P < 0.001). Partial arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2) was 89.63 ± 7.62 mmHg in the pre-pandemic group, and 79.50 ± 7.18 mmHg in the severe group during the pandemic period (P < 0.001). Despite the fact that mortality occurred in 35 (7%) of all cases, pandemic cases accounted for 30 of these deaths (85.7%) (P <0.001). The association between COHb, troponin, lactate, partial arterial pressure of carbon dioxide, HCO3, calcium, glucose, age, pH, PaO2, potassium, sodium, and base excess levels in the pre-pandemic and pandemic groups was statistically significant in univariate linear analysis.

CONCLUSION

Air exchange barrier disruption caused by COVID-19 may have pulmonary consequences. In patients with a history of pandemic COVID-19, clinical results and survival are considerably unfavorable in cases of CO poisoning.

Validation of telemedicine-based self-assessment of vital signs for patients with COVID-19: A pilot study

INTRODUCTION

In the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the development of a system that would prevent the infection of healthcare providers is in urgent demand. We sought to investigate the feasibility and validity of a telemedicine-based system in which healthcare providers remotely check the vital signs measured by patients with COVID-19.

METHODS

Patients hospitalized with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 measured and uploaded their vital signs to secure cloud storage. Additionally, the respiratory rates were monitored using a mat-type sensor placed under the bed. We assessed the time until the values became available on the Cloud and the agreements between the patient-measured vital signs and simultaneous healthcare provider measurements.

RESULTS

Between 26 May-23 September 2020, 3835 vital signs were measured and uploaded to the cloud storage by the patients (n=16, median 72 years old, 31% women). All patients successfully learned how to use these devices with a 10-minute lecture. The median time until the measurements were available on the cloud system was only 0.35 min, and 95.2% of the vital signs were available within 5 min of the measurement. The agreement between the patients' and healthcare providers' measurements was excellent for all parameters. Interclass coefficient correlations were as follows: systolic (0.92, p<0.001), diastolic blood pressure (0.86, p<0.001), heart rate (0.89, p<0.001), peripheral oxygen saturation (0.92, p<0.001), body temperature (0.83, p<0.001), and respiratory rates (0.90, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Telemedicine-based self-assessment of vital signs in patients with COVID-19 was feasible and reliable. The system will be a useful alternative to traditional vital sign measurements by healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ventilator management and risk of air leak syndrome in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia: a single-center, retrospective, observational study

BACKGROUND

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia is reportedly associated with air leak syndrome (ALS), including mediastinal emphysema and pneumothorax, and has a high mortality rate. In this study, we compared values obtained every minute from ventilators to clarify the relationship between ventilator management and risk of developing ALS.

METHODS

This single-center, retrospective, observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Tokyo, Japan, over a 21-month period. Information on patient background, ventilator data, and outcomes was collected from adult patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia on ventilator management. Patients who developed ALS within 30 days of ventilator management initiation (ALS group) were compared with those who did not (non-ALS group).

RESULTS

Of the 105 patients, 14 (13%) developed ALS. The median positive-end expiratory pressure (PEEP) difference was 0.20 cmH₂O (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20-0.20) and it was higher in the ALS group than in the non-ALS group (9.6 [7.8-20.2] vs. 9.3 [7.3-10.2], respectively). For peak pressure, the median difference was -0.30 cmH₂O (95% CI, -0.30 - -0.20) (20.4 [17.0-24.4] in the ALS group vs. 20.9 [16.7-24.6] in the non-ALS group). The mean pressure difference of 0.0 cmH₂O (95% CI, 0.0-0.0) (12.7 [10.9-14.6] vs. 13.0 [10.3-15.0], respectively) was also higher in the non-ALS group than in the ALS group. The difference in single ventilation volume per ideal body weight was 0.71 mL/kg (95% CI, 0.70-0.72) (8.17 [6.79-9.54] vs. 7.43 [6.03-8.81], respectively), and the difference in dynamic lung compliance was 8.27 mL/cmH₂O (95% CI, 12.76-21.95) (43.8 [28.2-68.8] vs. 35.7 [26.5-41.5], respectively); both were higher in the ALS group than in the non-ALS group.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no association between higher ventilator pressures and the development of ALS. The ALS group had higher dynamic lung compliance and tidal volumes than the non-ALS group, which may indicate a pulmonary contribution to ALS. Ventilator management that limits tidal volume may prevent ALS development.

Prognostic Value of CYP1A2 (rs2069514 and rs762551) Polymorphisms in COVID-19 Patients

The aim of the study was to examine the genotype-allele determination of CYP1A2 rs2069514 and rs762551 polymorphisms in patients with mild and severe COVID-19 and to determine their effectiveness as prognostic criteria in COVID-19. The study consists of 60 patients who were hospitalized in intensive care or outpatient treatment due to COVID-19 in Istanbul NP Brain Hospital between 2020-2021. Genotyping was conducted by Real-Time PCR. Age (p<0.001); chronic disease (p=0.002); cardiovascular disease (p=0.004); respiratory distress (p<0.001); neurological disease (p=0.004); fatigue (p=0.048); loss of taste and smell (p=0.003); nausea/vomiting (p=0.026); intubated (p<0.001); ground glass image (p<0.001) and CYP1A2 genotypes (p<0.001) showed a statistically significant difference between patients with and without intensive care admission. According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, CYP1A2 *1A/*1C + *1C/*1C genotypes (OR:5.23 95% CI: 1.22-22.36; p=0.025), chronic disease (OR:4.68 95% CI:1.14-19.15; p=0.032) or patients at 65 years or older (OR:5.17, 95%CI:1.26-21.14; p=0.022) increased the risk of admission to the intensive care unit. According to our results, we strongly suggest considering the CYP1A2 rs2069514 and rs762551 polymorphisms as important predictors of Intensive Care Unit admission in patients with COVID-19, and we also suggest that genotype results will guide clinicians for the benefit and the efficiency of the treatment.

Precision Medicine for More Oxygen (P4O2)-Study Design and First Results of the Long COVID-19 Extension

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to the death of almost 7 million people, however, with a cumulative incidence of 0.76 billion, most people survive COVID-19. Several studies indicate that the acute phase of COVID-19 may be followed by persistent symptoms including fatigue, dyspnea, headache, musculoskeletal symptoms, and pulmonary functional-and radiological abnormalities. However, the impact of COVID-19 on long-term health outcomes remains to be elucidated. Aims: The Precision Medicine for more Oxygen (P4O2) consortium COVID-19 extension aims to identify long COVID patients that are at risk for developing chronic lung disease and furthermore, to identify treatable traits and innovative personalized therapeutic strategies for prevention and treatment. This study aims to describe the study design and first results of the P4O2 COVID-19 cohort. Methods: The P4O2 COVID-19 study is a prospective multicenter cohort study that includes nested personalized counseling intervention trial. Patients, aged 40-65 years, were recruited from outpatient post-COVID clinics from five hospitals in The Netherlands. During study visits at 3-6 and 12-18 months post-COVID-19, data from medical records, pulmonary function tests, chest computed tomography scans and biological samples were collected and questionnaires were administered. Furthermore, exposome data was collected at the patient's home and state-of-the-art imaging techniques as well as multi-omics analyses will be performed on collected data. Results: 95 long COVID patients were enrolled between May 2021 and September 2022. The current study showed persistence of clinical symptoms and signs of pulmonary function test/radiological abnormalities in post-COVID patients at 3-6 months post-COVID. The most commonly reported symptoms included respiratory symptoms (78.9%), neurological symptoms (68.4%) and fatigue (67.4%). Female sex and infection with the Delta, compared with the Beta, SARS-CoV-2 variant were significantly associated with more persisting symptom categories. Conclusions: The P4O2 COVID-19 study contributes to our understanding of the long-term health impacts of COVID-19. Furthermore, P4O2 COVID-19 can lead to the identification of different phenotypes of long COVID patients, for example those that are at risk for developing chronic lung disease. Understanding the mechanisms behind the different phenotypes and identifying these patients at an early stage can help to develop and optimize prevention and treatment strategies.

Impact of High-Flow Nasal Cannula Use in Subjects With COVID-19 ARDS at High Altitudes: Clinical Presentation and Prognostic Factors

BACKGROUND

High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) reduces the need for intubation in adult subject with acute respiratory failure. Changes in hypobaric hypoxemia have not been studied for subject with an HFNC in ICUs at altitudes > 2,600 m above sea level. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of HFNC treatment in subjects with COVID-19 at high altitudes. We hypothesized that progressive hypoxemia and the increase in breathing frequency associated with COVID-19 in high altitudes affect the success of HFNC therapy and may also influence the performance of the traditionally used predictors of success and failure.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study of subjects >18 y with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19-induced ARDS requiring HFNC who were admitted to the ICU. Subjects were followed up during the 28 d of HFNC treatment or until failure.

RESULTS

One hundred and eight subjects were enrolled. At admission to the ICU, FIO2 delivery between 0.5-0.8 (odds ratio 0.38 [95% CI 0.17-0.84]) was associated with a better response to HFNC therapy than oxygen delivery on admission between 0.8-1.0 (odds ratio 3.58 [95% CI 1.56-8.22]). This relationship continued during follow-ups at 2, 6, 12, and 24 h, with a progressive increase in the risk of failure (odds ratio 24 h 13.99 [95% CI 4.32-45.26]). A new cutoff for the ratio of oxygen saturation (ROX) index (ROX ≥ 4.88) after 24 h of HFNC administration was demonstrated to be the best predictor of success (odds ratio 11.0 [95% CI 3.3-47.0]).

CONCLUSIONS

High-altitude subjects treated with HFNC for COVID-19 showed a high risk of respiratory failure and progressive hypoxemia when FIO2 requirements were > 0.8 after 24 h of treatment. In these subjects, personalized management should include continuous monitoring of individual clinical conditions (such as oxygenation indices, with cutoffs adapted to those corresponding to high-altitude cities).

Evaluating the impact of a pulse oximetry remote monitoring programme on mortality and healthcare utilisation in patients with COVID-19 assessed in emergency departments in England: a retrospective matched cohort study

BACKGROUND

To identify the impact of enrolment onto a national pulse oximetry remote monitoring programme for COVID-19 (COVID-19 Oximetry @home; CO@h) on health service use and mortality in patients attending Emergency Departments (EDs).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective matched cohort study of patients enrolled onto the CO@h pathway from EDs in England. We included all patients with a positive COVID-19 test from 1 October 2020 to 3 May 2021 who attended ED from 3 days before to 10 days after the date of the test. All patients who were admitted or died on the same or following day to the first ED attendance within the time window were excluded. In the primary analysis, participants enrolled onto CO@h were matched using demographic and clinical criteria to participants who were not enrolled. Five outcome measures were examined within 28 days of first ED attendance: (1) Death from any cause; (2) Any subsequent ED attendance; (3) Any emergency hospital admission; (4) Critical care admission; and (5) Length of stay.

RESULTS

15 621 participants were included in the primary analysis, of whom 639 were enrolled onto CO@h and 14 982 were controls. Odds of death were 52% lower in those enrolled (95% CI 7% to 75%) compared with those not enrolled onto CO@h. Odds of any ED attendance or admission were 37% (95% CI 16% to 63%) and 59% (95% CI 32% to 91%) higher, respectively, in those enrolled. Of those admitted, those enrolled had 53% (95% CI 7% to 76%) lower odds of critical care admission. There was no significant impact on length of stay.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that for patients assessed in ED, pulse oximetry remote monitoring may be a clinically effective and safe model for early detection of hypoxia and escalation. However, possible selection biases might limit the generalisability to other populations.

Effectiveness of exercise training on the dyspnoea of individuals with long COVID: A randomised controlled multicentre trial

BACKGROUND

COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (CARDS) is a severe evolution of the Sars-Cov-2 infection and necessitates intensive care. COVID-19 may subsequently be associated with long COVID, whose symptoms can include persistent respiratory symptoms up to 1 year later. Rehabilitation is currently recommended by most guidelines for people with this condition.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effects of exercise training rehabilitation (ETR) on dyspnoea and health-related quality of life measures in people with continuing respiratory discomfort following CARDS.

METHODS

In this multicentre, two-arm, parallel, open, assessor-blinded, randomised controlled trial, we enroled adults previously admitted with CARDS to 3 French intensive care units who had been discharged at least 3 months earlier and who presented with an mMRC dyspnoea scale score > 1. Participants received either ETR or standard physiotherapy (SP) for 90 days. The primary outcome was dyspnoea, as measured by the Multidimensional Dyspnoea Profile (MDP), at day 0 (inclusion) and after 90 days of physiotherapy. Secondary outcomes were the mMRC and 12-item Short-Form Survey scores.

RESULTS

Between August 7, 2020, and January 26, 2022, 487 participants with CARDS were screened for inclusion, of whom 60 were randomly assigned to receive either ETR (n = 27) or SP (n = 33). Mean MDP following ETR was 42% lower than after SP (26.15 vs. 44.76); a difference of -18.61 (95% CI -27.78 to -9.44; p<10-4).

CONCLUSION

People who were still suffering from breathlessness three months after being discharged from hospital with CARDS had significantly improved dyspnoea scores when treated with ETR therapy for 90 days unlike those who only received SP. Study registered 29/09/2020 on Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04569266).

A multimodal AI-based non-invasive COVID-19 grading framework powered by deep learning, manta ray, and fuzzy inference system from multimedia vital signs

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. One of the key challenges in controlling and managing the pandemic is accurate and rapid diagnosis of COVID-19 cases. Traditional diagnostic methods such as RT-PCR tests are time-consuming and require specialized equipment and trained personnel. Computer-aided diagnosis systems and artificial intelligence (AI) have emerged as promising tools for developing cost-effective and accurate diagnostic approaches. Most studies in this area have focused on diagnosing COVID-19 based on a single modality, such as chest X-rays or cough sounds. However, relying on a single modality may not accurately detect the virus, especially in its early stages. In this research, we propose a non-invasive diagnostic framework consisting of four cascaded layers that work together to accurately detect COVID-19 in patients. The first layer of the framework performs basic diagnostics such as patient temperature, blood oxygen level, and breathing profile, providing initial insights into the patient's condition. The second layer analyzes the coughing profile, while the third layer evaluates chest imaging data such as X-ray and CT scans. Finally, the fourth layer utilizes a fuzzy logic inference system based on the previous three layers to generate a reliable and accurate diagnosis. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed framework, we used two datasets: the Cough Dataset and the COVID-19 Radiography Database. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed framework is effective and trustworthy in terms of accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, F1-score, and balanced accuracy. The audio-based classification achieved an accuracy of 96.55%, while the CXR-based classification achieved an accuracy of 98.55%. The proposed framework has the potential to significantly improve the accuracy and speed of COVID-19 diagnosis, allowing for more effective control and management of the pandemic. Furthermore, the framework's non-invasive nature makes it a more attractive option for patients, reducing the risk of infection and discomfort associated with traditional diagnostic methods.

Assessment of lung injury severity using ultrasound in critically ill COVID-19 patients in resource limited settings

BACKGROUND

Lung ultrasound is a non-invasive tool available at the bedside for the assessment of critically ill patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of lung ultrasound in assessing the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection in critically-ill patients in a low-income setting.

METHODS

We conducted a 12-month observational study in a university hospital intensive care unit (ICU) in Mali, on patients admitted for COVID-19 as diagnosed by a positive polymerase chain reaction for SARS-CoV-2 and/or typical lung computed tomography scan findings.

RESULTS

The inclusion criteria was met by 156 patients with a median age of 59 years. Almost all patients (96%) had respiratory failure at admission and many needed respiratory support (121/156, 78%). The feasibility of lung ultrasound was very good, with 1802/1872 (96%) quadrants assessed. The reproducibility was good with an intra-class correlation coefficient of elementary patterns of 0.74 (95% CI 0.65, 0.82) and a coefficient of repeatability of lung ultrasound score < 3 for an overall score of 24. Confluent B lines were the most common lesions found in patients (155/156). The overall mean ultrasound score was 23 ± 5.4, and was significantly correlated with oxygen saturation (Pearson correlation coefficient of - 0.38, p < 0.001). More than half of the patients died (86/156, 55.1%). The factors associated with mortality, as shown by multivariable analysis, were: the patients' age; number of organ failures; therapeutic anticoagulation, and lung ultrasound score.

CONCLUSION

Lung ultrasound was feasible and contributed to characterize lung injury in critically-ill COVID-19 patients in a low income setting. Lung ultrasound score was associated with oxygenation impairment and mortality.

Cancer and COVID-19: unravelling the immunological interplay with a review of promising therapies against severe SARS-CoV-2 for cancer patients

Cancer patients, due to their immunocompromised status, are at an increased risk for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. Since severe SARS-CoV-2 infection causes multiple organ damage through IL-6-mediated inflammation while stimulating hypoxia, and malignancy promotes hypoxia-induced cellular metabolic alterations leading to cell death, we propose a mechanistic interplay between both conditions that results in an upregulation of IL-6 secretion resulting in enhanced cytokine production and systemic injury. Hypoxia mediated by both conditions results in cell necrosis, dysregulation of oxidative phosphorylation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. This produces free radicals and cytokines that result in systemic inflammatory injury. Hypoxia also catalyzes the breakdown of COX-1 and 2 resulting in bronchoconstriction and pulmonary edema, which further exacerbates tissue hypoxia. Given this disease model, therapeutic options are currently being studied against severe SARS-COV-2. In this study, we review several promising therapies against severe disease supported by clinical trial evidence-including Allocetra, monoclonal antibodies (Tixagevimab-Cilgavimab), peginterferon lambda, Baricitinib, Remdesivir, Sarilumab, Tocilizumab, Anakinra, Bevacizumab, exosomes, and mesenchymal stem cells. Due to the virus's rapid adaptive evolution and diverse symptomatic manifestation, the use of combination therapies offers a promising approach to decrease systemic injury. By investing in such targeted interventions, cases of severe SARS-CoV-2 should decrease along with its associated long-term sequelae and thereby allow cancer patients to resume their treatments.

Is COVID-19 different from other causes of acute respiratory distress syndrome?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia can lead to acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. When mechanical ventilation is needed, almost all patients with COVID-19 pneumonia meet the criteria for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The question of the specificities of COVID-19-associated ARDS compared to other causes of ARDS is of utmost importance, as it may justify changes in ventilatory strategies. This review aims to describe the pathophysiology of COVID-19-associated ARDS and discusses whether specific ventilatory strategies are required in these patients.

Neurological damages in COVID-19 patients: Mechanisms and preventive interventions

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel coronavirus, causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) which led to neurological damage and increased mortality worldwide in its second and third waves. It is associated with systemic inflammation, myocardial infarction, neurological illness including ischemic strokes (e.g., cardiac and cerebral ischemia), and even death through multi-organ failure. At the early stage, the virus infects the lung epithelial cells and is slowly transmitted to the other organs including the gastrointestinal tract, blood vessels, kidneys, heart, and brain. The neurological effect of the virus is mainly due to hypoxia-driven reactive oxygen species (ROS) and generated cytokine storm. Internalization of SARS-CoV-2 triggers ROS production and modulation of the immunological cascade which ultimately initiates the hypercoagulable state and vascular thrombosis. Suppression of immunological machinery and inhibition of ROS play an important role in neurological disturbances. So, COVID-19 associated damage to the central nervous system, patients need special care to prevent multi-organ failure at later stages of disease progression. Here in this review, we are selectively discussing these issues and possible antioxidant-based prevention therapies for COVID-19-associated neurological damage that leads to multi-organ failure.

Hypoxische, anämische und kardial bedingte Hypoxämie: Wann beginnt die Hypoxie im Gewebe?

Bei einer Hypoxämie ist oft der Sauerstoffgehalt noch im unteren Normbereich, sodass keine Hypoxie im Gewebe vorliegt. Wird die Hypoxie-Schwelle im Gewebe bei einer hypoxisch, anämisch und auch kardial bedingten Hypoxämie erreicht, kommt es im Zellstoffwechsel, unabhängig von der Genese, zu identischen Gegenregulationen. Im klinischen Alltag wird diese pathophysiologische Tatsache mitunter ignoriert, obwohl je nach Hypoxämie-Ursache die Beurteilung und die Therapie stark unterschiedlich sind. Während für die anämische Hypoxämie restriktive und allgemein akzeptierte Regeln in den Transfusionsrichtlinien festgelegt sind, wird bei einer hypoxischen Hypoxie früh die Indikation zu einer meist invasiven Beatmung gestellt. Die klinische Beurteilung und Indikationsstellung fokussiert dabei auf die Parameter Sauerstoffsättigung, Sauerstoffpartialdruck und Oxygenierungsindex. Während der Corona-Pandemie sind Fehlinterpretationen der Pathophysiologie sichtbar geworden und haben vermutlich zu überflüssigen Intubationen geführt. Für die Behandlung einer hypoxischen Hypoxie mittels invasiver Beatmung aber gibt es keine Evidenz. Im vorliegenden Review wird auf die Pathophysiologie der verschiedenen Hypoxieursachen unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Intubation und Beatmung auf der Intensivstation eingegangen.

Hypocapnia as a predictor of the need for non-invasive mechanical ventilation in subjects with SARS-CoV-2 related pneumonia

Background: SARS-CoV-2 related pneumonia is characterized by moderate-to severe hypoxemia often associated with hypocapnia the prognostic role of which is poorely documented. Aims: evaluate if hypocapnia can predict the need for non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) in this setting. Materials and methods: we prospectively studied 52 subjects with moderate-severe SARS-CoV-2 related pneumonia. All the following data were collected at admission to the Emergency Department and processed by univariate and multivariate analysis: clinical and laboratory data, blood gas analysis in room air and lung ultrasound. Results: 33/52 subjects (63,4%) underwent NIMV. At univariate analysis PaCO2 was inversely associated to the need for NIMV (OR 0,82, CI 95% 0,689-0,976, p .025). At multivariate analysis PaCO2 predicted the need for NIMV independently from age, gender, number of comorbidities, d-dimer, CRP, PaO2 and LUS SCORE (OR 0,838, CI 95% 0,710-0,988, p .035). Conclusions: our data suggest that hypocapnia could be an early predictor of clinical worsening in these patients independently from other known predictors of unfavourable outcome, reflecting the occurrence of a deep and frequent respiratory pattern possibly related to the generation of excessive transpulmonary pressure swings leading to a self-induced lung injury (P-SILI). Further studies are needed for validating these data on greater populations.

Unraveling the Underlying Molecular Mechanism of 'Silent Hypoxia' in COVID-19 Patients Suggests a Central Role for Angiotensin II Modulation of the AT1R-Hypoxia-Inducible Factor Signaling Pathway

A few days after being infected with SARS-CoV-2, a fraction of people remain asymptomatic but suffer from a decrease in arterial oxygen saturation in the absence of apparent dyspnea. In light of our clinical investigation on the modulation of molecules belonging to the renin angiotensin system (RAS) in COVID-19 patients, we propose a model that explains 'silent hypoxia'. The RAS imbalance caused by SARS-CoV-2 results in an accumulation of angiotensin 2 (Ang II), which activates the angiotensin 2 type 1 receptor (AT1R) and triggers a harmful cascade of intracellular signals leading to the nuclear translocation of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α. HIF-1α transactivates many genes including the angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE1), while at the same time, ACE2 is downregulated. A growing number of cells is maintained in a hypoxic condition that is self-sustained by the presence of the virus and the ACE1/ACE2 ratio imbalance. This is associated with a progressive worsening of the patient's biological parameters including decreased oxygen saturation, without further clinical manifestations. When too many cells activate the Ang II-AT1R-HIF-1α axis, there is a 'hypoxic spillover', which marks the tipping point between 'silent' and symptomatic hypoxia in the patient. Immediate ventilation is required to prevent the 'hypoxic spillover'.

Gastrointestinal, Respiratory, and Olfactory Neurotropism of Sars-Cov2 as a Possible Trigger of Parkinson's Disease: Is a Multi-Hit Multi-Step Process on the Cards

Since the first emergence of COVID-19 on the global stage, there has been a wealth of evidence to suggest that SARS-Cov2 is not merely a pulmonary pathogen. This virus is unique in its ability to disrupt cellular pathways related to protein homeostasis, mitochondrial function, stress response, and aging. Such effects raise concerns about the long-term fate of survivors of COVID-19 infection, particularly regarding neurodegenerative diseases. The concept of interaction between environmental factors and alpha-synuclein formation in the olfactory bulb and vagal autonomic terminals with subsequent caudo-cranial migration has received much attention in the context of PD pathogenesis. Anosmia and gastrointestinal symptoms are two well-known symptoms of COVID-19, with evidence of an olfactory bulb and vagal infiltration by SARS-CoV2. This raises the possibility of the spread of the viral particles to the brain along multiple cranial nerve routes. Neurotropism, coupled with the ability of the SARS-Cov2 virion to induce abnormal protein folding and stress responses in the central nervous system, in presence of an inflammatory milieu, reinforced by hypoxia, coagulopathy, and endothelial dysfunction, reverberates the intriguing possibility of activation of a neurodegenerative cascade leading to the development of pathological alpha-synuclein aggregates and thus, triggering the development of PD in survivors of COVID19. This review attempts to summarize and critically appraise existing evidence from basic science research and clinical reports of links between COVID-19 and PD and explores the prospect of a multi-hit pathophysiological process, induced by SARS-Cov2 infection, ultimately converging on perturbed cellular protein homeostasis, which although is intriguing, presently lacks robust evidence for confirmation.

Lessons from COVID-19 in the management of acute respiratory failure

Accumulated evidence supports the efficacy of noninvasive respiratory support therapies in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure, alleviating admissions to intensive care units. Noninvasive respiratory support strategies, including high-flow oxygen therapy, continuous positive airway pressure via mask or helmet and noninvasive ventilation, can be alternatives that may avoid the need for invasive ventilation. Alternating different noninvasive respiratory support therapies and introducing complementary interventions, like self-proning, may improve outcomes. Proper monitoring is warranted to ensure the efficacy of the techniques and to avoid complications while supporting transfer to the intensive care unit. This article reviews the latest evidence on noninvasive respiratory support therapies in COVID-19-related acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure.