Sometimes the lung function of COVID-19 patients deteriorates so much that even ventilators can’t save them. In that case, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machines may keep them oxygenated enough to survive. New research provides insight into which COVID-19 patients tend to fare better on ECMO than others. Source
How COVID-19 kills
Experts review how the SARS-Cov-2 virus can cause an immune overreaction in the form of potentially lethal cytokine storm. Source
Pediatric coronavirus disease (COVID-19) X-ray, CT in review of new lung disorders
Although the clinical symptoms of SARS, H1N1, MERS, EVALI, and COVID-19 may be nonspecific, some characteristic imaging findings are emerging, according to a new article. Careful evaluation of the distribution, lung zone preference, and symmetry of the abnormalities with an eye for a few unique differentiating imaging features can allow radiologists to offer a narrower differential diagnosis in pediatric patients, leading to optimal patient care. Source
Blood clotting a significant cause of death in patients with COVID-19
A new study has found that Irish patients admitted to hospital with severe COVID-19 infection are experiencing abnormal blood clotting that contributes to death in some patients. Source
Clinicians warn of the dangers of equating COVID-19 with high altitude pulmonary edema
Early reports of COVID-19 symptoms and the compelling need to quickly identify treatment options and curb the growing number of critically ill patients have led to erroneous and potentially dangerous comparisons between COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases like high altitude pulmonary edema, or HAPE. Source