CPAP and COVID-19

PulmCrit (EMCrit)

Could the best mode of noninvasive support for COVID-19 be… CPAP ??

PulmCrit Wee - March 17, 2020 by Josh Farkas

"Summary The Bullet

• COVID-19 appears to cause an unusual form of hypoxemic respiratory failure, with profound hypoxemia but normal lung compliance. This might be due to diffuse atelectasis.
• CPAP could be a desirable mode of noninvasive support for these patients. CPAP is the modality which provides the most powerful lung recruitment (highest mean airway pressure). It also has the advantage of avoiding injuriously large tidal volumes.
• The optimal role of noninvasive support modes in COVID-19 is currently unknown. CPAP could be a rational selection for some patients with moderate hypoxemia and single-organ failure. As always, further evidence is needed."