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Outcomes of Covid-19 organizing pneumonia in critically ill patients
Dear editor,Efficacy of corticosteroids in COVID-19 pneumonia has been reported in numerous studies. 1 However, Yang et al. concluded that corticosteroids have a negative impact, suggesting that not all patients benefit from the therapy. 2 Features of organizing pneumonia (OP) have been observed in radiological and histopathological studies from these patients. [3][4][5] OP has usually a good response to corticosteroids. The possible correlation between the radiological pattern and clinical evolution has important implications. This study provides information on patient selection and clinical application of corticosteroids. Fig. 1. Patient allocation according to chest CT scan findings. ARF: acute hypoxic respiratory failure; NIRS: noninvasive respiratory support; CT: computed tomography; GGO: ground glass opacities; OP: organizing pneumonia; DI: "do intubate"order; DNI: "do not intubate" order; ETI: endotracheal intubation.Adult patients admitted to a respiratory intermediate care unit (RICU) from November 18th, 2020 to February 18th, 2021 were prospectively enrolled. Institutional review boards authorised the study. Informed consent was waived.A confirmed case of COVID-19 pneumonia was defined as a patient with compatible symptoms and PCR-confirmed infection. Only patients needing advanced noninvasive respiratory support (NIRS) with high flow nasal cannula (HFNC), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and/or noninvasive ventilation (NIV) were included. All patients had a "do intubate" (DI) or "do not intubate" (DNI) order defined at admission. Information regarding demographics, comorbidities, blood test results and mode and usage of NIRS were recorded. The severity of respiratory failure was assessed by PaO2/FiO2 ratio before NIRS institution. Several out-
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