Apr 15 Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): update for anesthesiologists and intensivists March 2020
D. Thomas-Rüddel, J. Winning, P. Dickmann, D. Ouart, A. Kortgen, U. Janssens and M. Bauer
ABSTRACT
The current outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has reached Germany. Most infected people have mild illness, but there are severe cases that require intensive care. Unlike other acute infectious diseases that progress to sepsis, the severe courses of COVID19 apparently show a prolonged progression from the onset of first symptoms to (mostly) life-threatening deterioration of lung function. Diagnosis is based on PCR using samples from the respiratory tract. Severe ARDS reflects the hallmark of a critical course of the disease. The prevention of nosocomial infections (mainly through the correct use of personal protective equipment) and the maintenance of the operational capacity of hospitals are of the utmost importance. Anesthesia, intensive care and emergency departments face significant challenges.