Ventilatory support in the treatment of Influenza A H1N1 in an intensive care unit

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The pandemic caused by the virus Influenza A H1N1 has challenged health agents in intensive care units because of the early respiratory complications that jeopardize the patients' medical prognosis. Dealing with the influenza of this new century constitutes a major challenge nowadays. This study aims to perform a literature review on ventilatory support indicated for the treatment of influenza A H1N1 in intensive care units. Morbidity and mortality of any disease are associated with its severity. In the case of influenza A H1N1, they depend on aspects related to the emergence of new strains, the hosts, the delay in making the correct diagnosis and treating the disease adequately, and the mistaken identification of its possible complications. Common complications are: acute respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis. As acute respiratory failure is observed, initial ventilatory support can be performed through non-invasive oxygen therapy with values <5L/min. If no clinical improvement is observed, the disease can evolve rapidly to acute respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis. In this case, continuity of any type of noninvasive mechanical ventilation is contraindicated, intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation must be started, and protective ventilation is the recommended procedure.