The role of ROX index-based intubation in COVID-19 pneumonia: a cross-sectional comparison and retrospective survival analysis.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with acute respiratory failure who experience delayed initiation of invasive mechanical ventilation have poor outcomes. The lack of objective measures to define the timing of intubation is an area of concern. We investigated the effect of timing of intubation based on respiratory rate-oxygenation (ROX) index on the outcomes of COVID-19 pneumonia. METHODS: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study performed in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Kerala, India. Patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who were intubated were grouped into early intubation (within 12 hours of ROX index <4.88) or delayed intubation (12 hours or more hours after ROX <4.88). RESULTS: A total of 58 patients was included in the study after exclusions. Among them, 20 patients were intubated early, and 38 patients were intubated 12 hours after ROX index <4.88. The mean age of the study population was 57±14 years, and 55.0% of the patients were male; diabetes mellitus (48.3%) and hypertension (50.0%) were the most common comorbidities. The early intubation group had 88.2% successful extubation, while only 11.8% of the delayed group had successful extubation (P<0.001). Survival was also significantly more frequent in the early intubation group. CONCLUSIONS: Early intubation within 12 hours of ROX index <4.88 was associated with improved extubation and survival in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

[A loud stridor after a COVID-19 infection]

This case concerns a 54-year-old patient presenting to the Emergency Department with acute dyspnea and a loud stridor. Fiberscopy showed a large subglottic granuloma, most likely resulting from recent endotracheal intubation because of a severe COVID-19 infection. Increase in COVID-19 associated intubations may result in an increase of post-intubation granulomas.

Effect of intravenous pulses of methylprednisolone 250 mg versus dexamethasone 6 mg in hospitalised adults with severe COVID-19 pneumonia: An open-label randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of high versus medium doses of glucocorticoids for the treatment of patients with COVID-19 has shown mixed outcomes in controlled trials and observational studies. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of methylprednisolone 250 mg bolus versus dexamethasone 6 mg in patients with severe COVID-19. METHODS: A randomised, open-label, controlled trial was conducted between February and August 2021 at four hospitals in Spain. The trial was suspended after the first interim analysis since the investigators considered that continuing the trial would be futile. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive dexamethasone 6 mg once daily for up to 10 days or methylprednisolone 250 mg once daily for 3 days. RESULTS: Of the 128 randomised patients, 125 were analysed (mean age 60 ± 17 years; 82 males [66%]). Mortality at 28 days was 4.8% in the 250 mg methylprednisolone group versus 4.8% in the 6 mg dexamethasone group (absolute risk difference, 0.1% [95% CI, -8.8 to 9.1%]; p = 0.98). None of the secondary outcomes (admission to the intensive care unit, non-invasive respiratory or high-flow oxygen support, additional immunosuppressive drugs, or length of stay), or prespecified sensitivity analyses were statistically significant. Hyperglycaemia was more frequent in the methylprednisolone group at 27.0 versus 8.1% (absolute risk difference, -18.9% [95% CI, -31.8 to - 5.6%]; p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Among severe but not critical patients with COVID-19, 250 mg/d for 3 days of methylprednisolone compared with 6 mg/d for 10 days of dexamethasone did not result in a decrease in mortality or intubation.

A Multimodal Approach to Training COVID-19 Processes Across Four Intensive Care Units.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) required innovative training strategies for emergent aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) in intensive care units (ICUs). This manuscript summarizes institutional operationalization of COVID-specific training, standardized across four ICUs. An interdisciplinary team collaborated with the Simulator Program and OpenPediatrics refining logistics using process maps, walkthroughs and simulation. A multimodal approach to information dissemination, high-volume team training in modified resuscitation practices and technical skill acquisition included instructional videos, training superusers, small-group simulation using a flipped classroom approach with rapid cycle deliberate practice, interactive webinars, and cognitive aids. Institutional data on application of this model are presented. Success was founded in interdisciplinary collaboration, resource availability and institutional buy in.

Evaluating the Feasibility and Usability of the Disposable Intubation Drape (I-Drape)

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, several protective barrier enclosures were developed to protect healthcare providers during airway manipulation. A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) created a barrier, the disposable intubation drape (I-Drape), that addressed limitations in range of motion. A nonrandomized, quasi-experimental design with repeated measures was used to evaluate I-Drape usability. CRNAs implemented I-Drape up to three times. Multilevel modeling was used to analyze the primary outcome: time (in seconds) to successful intubation. An online survey was used to evaluate secondary outcomes of interest: users' perceptions of features such as usability, visibility, and durability. We recruited 23 CRNAs as participants for 59 trials. Overall successful intubation and first-pass success rates were 96.6% and 93.2%, respectively. Time to successful intubation did not significantly decrease (β = -9.6, P = 0.323) or differ significantly among types of laryngoscopy device and years of experience was not a significant factor. Overall, users favorably rated I-Drape with respect to usability, visibility, durability, and feature utility. This study demonstrated the functionality, success rate, and acceptability of I-Drape. I-Drape can be used safely and efficiently with any type of laryngoscopy device by providers with various experience levels.

[Risk factors at admission associated with intubation in patients with COVID-19]

Background: Intubation rates up to 33% have been found in patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Some cohorts have reported the presence of dyspnea in 84.1% of intubated patients, being this the only symptom associated with intubation. Oxygen saturation < 90% and increased respiratory rate have also been described as predictors of intubation.

Local Delivery of Azithromycin Nanoformulation Attenuated Acute Lung Injury in Mice.

Humanity has suffered from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic over the past two years, which has left behind millions of deaths. Azithromycin (AZ), an antibiotic used for the treatment of several bacterial infections, has shown antiviral activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as well as against the dengue, Zika, Ebola, and influenza viruses. Additionally, AZ has shown beneficial effects in non-infective diseases such as cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis. However, the systemic use of AZ in several diseases showed low efficacy and potential cardiac toxicity. The application of nanotechnology to formulate a lung delivery system of AZ could prove to be one of the solutions to overcome these drawbacks. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the attenuation of acute lung injury in mice via the local delivery of an AZ nanoformulation. The hot emulsification-ultrasonication method was used to prepare nanostructured lipid carrier of AZ (AZ-NLC) pulmonary delivery systems. The developed formulation was evaluated and characterized in vitro and in vivo. The efficacy of the prepared formulation was tested in the bleomycin (BLM) -mice model for acute lung injury. AZ-NLC was given by the intratracheal (IT) route for 6 days at a dose of about one-eighth oral dose of AZ suspension. Samples of lung tissues were taken at the end of the experiment for immunological and histological assessments. AZ-NLC showed an average particle size of 453 nm, polydispersity index of 0.228 ± 0.07, zeta potential of -30 ± 0.21 mV, and a sustained release pattern after the initial 50% drug release within the first 2 h. BLM successfully induced a marked increase in pro-inflammatory markers and also induced histological changes in pulmonary tissues. All these alterations were significantly reversed by the concomitant administration of AZ-NLC (IT). Pulmonary delivery of AZ-NLC offered delivery of the drug locally to lung tissues. Its attenuation of lung tissue inflammation and histological injury induced by bleomycin was likely through the downregulation of the p53 gene and the modulation of Bcl-2 expression. This novel strategy could eventually improve the effectiveness and diminish the adverse drug reactions of AZ. Lung delivery could be a promising treatment for acute lung injury regardless of its cause. However, further work is needed to explore the stability of the formulation, its pharmacokinetics, and its safety.

Endotracheal Intubation Using C-MAC Video Laryngoscope vs. Direct Laryngoscope While Wearing Personal Protective Equipment.

This study sought to determine whether the C-MAC video laryngoscope (VL) performed better than a direct laryngoscope (DL) when attempting endotracheal intubation (ETI) in the emergency department (ED) while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). This was a retrospective single-center observational study conducted in an academic ED between February 2020 and March 2022. All emergency medical personnel who participated in any ETI procedure were required to wear PPE. The patients were divided into the C-MAC VL group and the DL group based on the device used during the first ETI attempt. The primary outcome measure was the first-pass success (FPS) rate. A multiple logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with FPS. Of the 756 eligible patients, 650 were assigned to the C-MAC group and 106 to the DL group. The overall FPS rate was 83.5% (n = 631/756). The C-MAC group had a significantly higher FPS rate than the DL group (85.7% vs. 69.8%, p < 0.001). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, C-MAC use was significantly associated with an increased FPS rate (adjusted odds ratio, 2.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.69-4.08; p < 0.001). In this study, we found that the FPS rate of ETI was significantly higher when the C-MAC VL was used than when a DL was used by emergency physicians constrained by cumbersome PPE.

NSAIDs in COVID-19, friend or foe?

At the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic the use of NSAIDS was avoided. This was because the previous studies suggesting that NSAIDs may be linked to an increased risk of lower respiratory tract infection consequences. Later on studies involved the patients who used NSAIDs for some chronic conditions and showed no additional harm among these patients. Then many studied assessed the benefit of using NSAIDs in COVID-19 patients for management of pain and fever and showed no additional risk among these patients.

Post extubation swallowing in critical patients with and without COVID-19 during the pandemic / Deglución post extubación de pacientes críticos con y sin diagnóstico de COVID-19 durante la pandemia

Estudios previos han caracterizado la disfagia en pacientes críticos hospitalizados que requieren intubación y ventilación mecánica invasiva. A raíz de la pandemia COVID-19 es necesario conocer las características deglutorias de pacientes diagnosticados con la enfermedad para su manejo. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar las características deglutorias de pacientes críticos extubados con y sin diagnóstico de COVID-19. Se llevó a cabo un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo con una muestra a conveniencia de 43 sujetos mayores de 15 años, ingresados al Hospital San Juan de Dios (Santiago, Chile) entre el 01 de junio y el 31 de agosto de 2020, intubados con o sin diagnóstico de COVID-19. Del total de sujetos, 22 padecieron de COVID-19 quienes estuvieron significativamente más días intubados que aquellos sin la patología (p=0,002). Inmediatamente posterior a la extubación orotraqueal, más del 90% de la muestra presentó disfagia. No hubo diferencia significativa en el nivel FILS ni asociación significativa en el grado de severidad de la disfagia entre sujetos con y sin COVID-19. Tampoco hubo diferencia significativa en el nivel FILS entre los grupos a los 10 días post-extubación. El nivel FILS a los 10 días aumentó significativamente en aquellos sujetos con COVID-19 (p=0,016) y sin COVID-19 (p=0,004). En la muestra, el nivel FILS y grado de severidad de la disfagia de los pacientes con y sin COVID-19 no mostraron diferencias estadísticas, siendo alto el porcentaje de disfagia en ambos grupos, lo que se podría asociar a la intubación orotraqueal y al tubo orotraqueal. Es necesaria la incorporación del fonoaudiólogo dentro de los equipos de Unidades de Pacientes Críticos para el manejo de los pacientes con COVID-19 y disfagia. Además, se recomienda continuar con más estudios en el área.

Previous research have described the deglutition disorders in critical hospitalised patients who required intubation and mechanical ventilation. In the pandemic context, it is mandatory to study both level and grade of dysphagia in patients suffering from COVID-19. The aim of this study is to analyse the deglutition features of extubated critical patients with and without COVID-19. A retrospective cohort study was performed, considering a convenience sample of 43 patients from 15 years old hospitalised at 'Hospital San Juan de Dios' between June 1st and August 31th 2020, who were intubated, with and without the diagnosis of COVID-19. 22of out 43 patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 who were intubated for significantly more days in comparison with those without COVID-19 (p=.002). After the intratracheal extubation, 90% of the sample was diagnosed with dysphagia. There was no significant difference in the FILS score nor significant association in dysphagia severity between patients with and without COVID-19. After 10 days post extubation, there was no significant difference in the FILS score between both groups. The FILS score increased significantly in the COVID-19 (p=.016) and non-COVID-19 (p=.004) patients after 10 days post extubation. Post extubation, there are no statistical differences in the FILS score and dysphagia severity in critical ill patients with and without COVID-19, with a high percentage of dysphagia in both groups which could be associated with intratracheal intubation and endotracheal tubes. The incorporation of speech and language therapists in Critical Care Units is mandatory. Furthermore, it is recommended to perform extra research in the area.

A Novel Ogremorphin Group of First-in-Class GPR68 Inhibitors Upregulate Endothelial Barrier Function and Rescue Bacterial Pathogens or Acidosis-Induced Inflammation in Lung Endothelium

Rationale: An increase in endothelial permeability resulting from the disruption of endothelial barrier and aggravated inflammatory responses are two major pathological hallmarks of various lung disorders including the current global pandemic COVID-19. Drugs that enable the preservation and restoration of endothelial function represent attractive therapeutic targets to treat endothelial dysfunction-derived cardiopulmonary diseases. A role of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), especially a sub-family of proton-sensing GPCRs including GPR4 and GPR68, has been suggested in modulation of endothelial function. In this study, we analyzed the barrier protective and anti-inflammatory effects of two recently developed novel class of GPR68 inhibitors: ogremorphins OGM8345 and OGM-1.Methods: Transendothelial electrical resistance (TER) was monitored in human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (HPAECs) to evaluate endothelial barrier function. Quantitative real time PCR and western blot analyses were performed to determine mRNA and protein expression of endothelial inflammation markers, respectively. Acidic pH (6.5) medium was used to induce acidosis, and luciferase-based Tango assay was employed to evaluate GPR68 activation. C57BL/6 mice were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS from Escherichia coli) or heatkilled Staphylococcus aureus (HKSA), and vascular leak/inflammation was assessed by determining the extravasation of intravenously injected Evans blue tracer into lungs and total cells/protein count in bronchoalveolar lavage samples. Results: A robust dose-dependent increase in basal EC barrier function was observed with OGM8345 (1-5 μM) and OGM-1 (0.3-1.5 μM) evident by an 150-200% increase in TER values. Both inhibitors also effectively rescued LPS- and HKSA-induced EC hyperpermeability. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that LPS or HKSA-induced upregulation of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines genes TNF-α, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL- 1β, and CXCL5 was significantly attenuated by OGMs. Consistently, both OGMs suppressed LPSand HKSA-induced protein expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1. In contrast, pharmacologic inhibition of GPR4 by NE 52-QQ57 failed to alleviate LPS or HKSA-induced EC barrier dysfunction and inflammation. Importantly, LPS, HKSA or acidosis stimulation resulted in increased GPR68 mRNA expression and GPR68 activity that was inhibited by OGMs. Intratracheal injection of LPS or HKSA in C57BL/6 mice caused vascular leak and lung inflammation that was attenuated by both OGMs as illustrated by reduced Evans blue accumulation in the lungs and significant inhibition of accumulation of inflammatory cells and protein content in bronchoalveolar lavage samples. Conclusion: These results establish a critical role of GPR68 in endothelial dysfunction and strongly suggest a therapeutic potential of GPR68-selective inhibitors in improving endothelial dysfunction caused by bacterial infections and acidosis associated with acute and chronic lung injury.

Fluorescent PLGA Nanocarriers for Pulmonary Administration: Influence of the Surface Charge.

Nearly four million yearly deaths can be attributed to respiratory diseases, prompting a huge worldwide health emergency. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic's death toll has surpassed six million, significantly increasing respiratory disease morbidity and mortality rates. Despite recent advances, it is still challenging for many drugs to be homogeneously distributed throughout the lungs, and specifically to reach the lower respiratory tract with an accurate sustained dose and minimal systemic side effects. Engineered nanocarriers can provide increased therapeutic efficacy while lessening potential biochemical adverse reactions. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), a biodegradable polymer, has attracted significant interest as an inhalable drug delivery system. However, the influence of the nanocarrier surface charge and its intratracheal instillation has not been addressed so far. In this study, we fabricated red fluorescent PLGA nanocapsules (NCs)-Cy5/PLGA-with either positive (Cy5/PLGA+) or negative surface charge (Cy5/PLGA-). We report here on their excellent colloidal stability in culture and biological media, and after cryo-storage. Their lack of cytotoxicity in two relevant lung cell types, even for concentrations as high as 10 mg/mL, is also reported. More importantly, differences in the NCs' cell uptake rates and internalization capacity were identified. The uptake of the anionic system was faster and in much higher amounts-10-fold and 2.5-fold in macrophages and epithelial alveolar cells, respectively. The in vivo study demonstrated that anionic PLGA NCs were retained in all lung lobules after 1 h of being intratracheally instilled, and were found to accumulate in lung macrophages after 24 h, making those nanocarriers especially suitable as a pulmonary immunomodulatory delivery system with a marked translational character.

Prevention of COVID-19 aerosol exposure during orotracheal intubation / Prevenção da exposição ao aerossol COVID-19 durante a intubação orotraqueal / Prevención de la exposición a aerosoles de COVID-19 durante la intubación orotraqueal

Background and objectives: during orotracheal intubation (OTI), it occurs the exposure to COVID-19 aerosols and consequent contamination of the professionals involved, observing the need to apply preventive measures. The objective is to know, in the scientific literature, which are the main preventive measures for health professionals to aerosols generated during OTI of patients suspected or confirmed for COVID-19. Contents: this is an integrative review, with search in the LILACS, SciELO, BDENF, MEDLINE, PubMed and Cochrane Wiley databases. Primary articles, with full text in Portuguese, Spanish and English, which contemplated the research objective, were selected. Of the 335 articles found, 22 were selected according to the inclusion criteria. In 18 (82%) of articles, they highlighted the use of barrier methods when performing the intubation procedure, such as acrylic box and plastic tarpaulin. In other studies (3; 14%), it was observed the need to include qualified intubation teams in hospital institutions to reduce the contamination of professionals, in addition to the application of checklists that guide the procedure. A single article brought the use of an orthopedic protective cover adapted to protect the intubator. Conclusion: the measures are defended to reduce exposure to aerosols and allow the safety of health professionals. The use of an intubation box must be used with caution, weighing the risks and benefits against the possibility of aerosolization during its use in orotracheal intubation.(AU)

Justificativa e objetivos: durante a intubação orotraqueal (IOT), ocorre a exposição a aerossóis de COVID-19 e consequente contaminação dos profissionais envolvidos, observando a necessidade de aplicação de medidas preventivas. O objetivo é conhecer, na literatura científica, quais são as principais medidas preventivas dos profissionais de saúde aos aerossóis gerados durante a IOT de pacientes suspeitos ou confirmados para COVID-19. Conteúdo: trata-se de uma revisão integrativa, com busca nas bases de dados LILACS, SciELO, BDENF, MEDLINE, PubMed e Cochrane Wiley. Foram selecionados artigos primários, com texto completo em português, espanhol e inglês, que contemplassem o objetivo da pesquisa. Dos 335 artigos encontrados, 22 foram selecionados de acordo com os critérios de inclusão. Em 18 (82%) dos artigos, destacaram o uso de métodos de barreira na realização do procedimento de intubação, como caixa de acrílico e lona plástica. Em outros estudos (3; 14%), observou-se a necessidade de incluir equipes de intubação qualificadas nas instituições hospitalares para reduzir a contaminação dos profissionais, além da aplicação de checklists que orientam o procedimento. Um único artigo trouxe o uso de uma capa protetora ortopédica adaptada para proteger o intubador. Conclusão: defendem-se as medidas para reduzir a exposição aos aerossóis e permitir a segurança dos profissionais de saúde. O uso da caixa de intubação deve ser feito com cautela, ponderando os riscos e benefícios em relação à possibilidade de aerossolização durante seu uso na intubação orotraqueal.(AU)

Justificación y objetivos: durante la intubación orotraqueal (OTI), ocurre la exposición a los aerosoles de COVID-19 y la consecuente contaminación de los profesionales involucrados, observándose la necesidad de aplicar medidas preventivas. El objetivo es conocer, en la literatura científica, cuáles son las principales medidas preventivas de los profesionales de la salud ante los aerosoles generados durante las IOT de pacientes sospechosos o confirmados de COVID-19. Contenido: se trata de una revisión integradora, con búsqueda en las bases de datos LILACS, SciELO, BDENF, MEDLINE, PubMed y Cochrane Wiley. Fueron seleccionados artículos primarios, con texto completo en portugués, español e inglés, que contemplaran el objetivo de la investigación. De los 335 artículos encontrados, 22 fueron seleccionados según los criterios de inclusión. En 18 (82%) de los artículos, destacaron el uso de métodos de barrera al realizar el procedimiento de intubación, como caja de acrílico y lona plástica. En otros estudios (3; 14%), se observó la necesidad de incluir equipos de intubación calificados en las instituciones hospitalarias para reducir la contaminación de los profesionales, además de la aplicación de listas de verificación que orientan el procedimiento. Un solo artículo trajo el uso de una cubierta protectora ortopédica adaptada para proteger al intubador. Conclusión: se defienden las medidas para reducir la exposición a los aerosoles y permitir la seguridad de los profesionales de la salud. El uso de una caja de intubación debe hacerse con precaución, sopesando los riesgos y beneficios frente a la posibilidad de aerosolización durante su uso en la intubación orotraqueal.(AU)

Video laryngoscope versus USB borescope-aided endotracheal intubation in adults with anticipated difficult airway: a prospective randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Video laryngoscopes are approved equipment for difficult airway intubations. The borescope, which was introduced during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era, is placed over a direct laryngoscope blade to provide an economical video laryngoscope. In the current study, we investigated the use of an endotracheal tube mounted over a USB borescope versus a video laryngoscope in patients with suspected difficult airways. METHODS: After obtaining informed consent, 120 adult patients with suspected difficult airways undergoing elective surgery were included in this study. Patients were randomized into the USB borescope and video laryngoscope groups. The primary outcome was time to successful intubation. The secondary outcomes included hemodynamic changes, anesthetist's satisfaction, and the incidence of complications. RESULTS: Intubation time was comparable between the two groups (video laryngoscope: 30.63 s and borescope: 28.35 s; P = 0.166). However, the view was clearer (P = 0.026) and the incidence of fogging was lower (P = 0.015) with the video laryngoscope compared to the borescope. Conversely, anesthetist's satisfaction frequency was higher with the borescope than with the video laryngoscope (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The video laryngoscope provided a better view and less fogging with an intubation time that was comparable to that of the borescope; however, the higher cost of the video laryngoscope limits its availability. Therefore, the borescope is a low-cost, readily available device that can be used for intubating patients with potentially difficult airways.

[Diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 in intensive care units]. / Diagnostik und Therapie von COVID-19 auf der Intensivstation.

Treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is particularly challenging due to the rapid scientific advances and the often significant hypoxemia. Use of high-flow oxygen, noninvasive mask ventilation, and the technique of awake proning can sometimes avoid the need for intubation. Mechanical ventilation follows the principles of ventilation for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS; lung protective ventilation) and is generally supplemented by consequent positioning therapy (with at least 16 h in prone position in multiple cycles). Antiviral therapy options such as remdesivir usually come too late for patients with COVID-19 in the ICU, the only exception being the administration of monoclonal antibodies for patients without seroconversion. The value of immunomodulatory therapy such as dexamethasone is undisputed. Interleukin­6 antagonists, on the other hand, are rather problematic for ICU patients, and for Janus kinase inhibitors, data and experience are still insufficient in this context.

Clinical outcomes of COVID-19 patients after sequential oxygen therapy in Tertiary Medical College

Background: Acute respiratory failure is the main manifestation in patients with severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19), being hospitalized in an intensive care unit, and may even require invasive mechanical ventilation, which is associated with high mortality. The use of high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) for severe hypoxemic respiratory failure cases was limited in hospital setups. Its benefit to patients, compliance, complications, as well as comparison with non-invasive ventilation (NIV) mask were not studied. Patients and Methods: We included consecutive patients with COVID-19 acute respiratory failure who were categorized into three groups depending on admission oxygen saturation and respiratory rate for non-rebreather bag-mask (NRBM), HFNO, and NIV. All patients were observed for 2 weeks and defined parameters were noted. The mean and standard deviation were compared between the groups by using the ANOVA test;P-value 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The comparison of mean escalation of oxygen requirement on the 5th day showed a significant result (94.27 ± 1.7 vs. 92.16 ± 4.05 vs. 90.73 ± 2.49, respectively, P = 0.001). Similar findings were also found on the 10th day and 15th day of treatment. The NIV group showed a significant lack of compliance to oxygen therapy (P 0.001) and also a significant incidence of complications (P 0.001). Conclusion: NIV showed a significant amount of escalation in oxygen requirement, reduced therapy compliance, and associated complications in comparison to the NRBM and HFNO in COVID-19 settings. © 2022 Bali Journal of Anesthesiology.

Late bilateral vocal cord palsy following endotracheal intubation due to COVID-19 pneumonia.

Vocal cord paralysis is a rare but severe complication after orotracheal intubation. The most common cause is traumatic, due to compression of the recurrent laryngeal nerve between the orotracheal tube cuff and the thyroid cartilage. Other possible causes are direct damage to the vocal cords during intubation, dislocation of the arytenoid cartilages, or infections, especially viral infections. It is usually due to a recurrent laryngeal nerve neuropraxia, and the course is benign in most patients. We present the case of a man who developed late bilateral vocal cord paralysis after pneumonia complicated with respiratory distress due to SARS-CoV-2 that required orotracheal intubation for 11 days. He presented symptoms of dyspnea 20 days after discharge from hospital with subsequent development of stridor, requiring a tracheostomy. Due to the temporal evolution, a possible contribution of the SARS-CoV-2 infection to the picture is pointed out.