The Use of POCUS to Manage ICU Patients With COVID-19

Link to article at PubMed

J Ultrasound Med. 2021 Sep;40(9):1749-1761. doi: 10.1002/jum.15566. Epub 2020 Nov 11.

ABSTRACT

Since the advent of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, clinicians have had to modify how they provide high-value care while mitigating the risk of viral spread. Routine imaging studies have been discouraged due to elevated transmission risk. Patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 often have a protracted hospital course with progression of disease. Given the need for close follow-up of patients, we recommend the use of ultrasonography, particularly point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), to manage patients with COVID-19 through their entire ICU course. POCUS will allow a clinician to evaluate and monitor cardiac and pulmonary function, as well as evaluate for thromboembolic disease, place an endotracheal tube, confirm central venous catheter placement, and rule out a pneumothorax. If a patient improves sufficiently to perform weaning trials, POCUS can also help evaluate readiness for ventilator liberation.

PMID:33174650 | DOI:10.1002/jum.15566

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