COVID-19 induced severe respiratory failure in early gestation with favourable outcome: A close escape

ABSTRACT

A small percentage of pregnant females suffer from respiratory failure during the course of their pregnancy which amounts to about 2 percent of all pregnancies. Usually the cause for this respiratory failure remains preeclampsia or amniotic fluid embolism. However, with the ongoing pandemic, an emerging cause of respiratory failure is Infection with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV 2). Chest wall compliance is decreased in pregnancy hence making it further difficult to fight COVID-19. We present a case of 31 year old pregnant female with gestational age of 28 weeks who presented with acute respiratory failure with severe hypoxia due to COVID-19. She was treated with non invasive ventilation, remdesavir, steroids and other supportive measures. She was given incentive spirometry and her oxygen saturation imporved drastically. Ultimately she was shifted on high flow oxygen and was discharged in stable condition making it a close escape. Thus we showcase the importance of diagnosing COVID-19 induced respiratory failure early and the substantial role of incentive spirometry in COVID-19 which is an underrated aspect of chest rehabilitation during the ongoing pandemic.