EVALUATION OF RESPIRATORY MECHANICS OF PATIENTS WITH COVID-19 ADMITTED TO AN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Abstract

This retrospective study analyzed the ventilatory mechanics of patients with COVID-19 in mechanically ventilated ICUs, correlating variables such as PEEP, VT, and SAT with length of hospital stay, mechanical ventilation, and probability of death. Using patient records, between April 2021 and April 2022, the analysis took place on the 1st and 5th day of mechanical ventilation, with tests such as Wilcoxon and Spearman's correlation. Of the 20 medical records, most patients were female (57.16%) and had comorbidities (60%). There were few changes in VT and PEEP, but a significant change in SAT during hospitalization. The strong correlation between intubation time and total length of hospital stay suggests an associated prolongation. The results highlight the importance of targeted interventions for severe COVID-19 patients in ICUs, considering the relationship between partial improvement of the SAT and unfavorable outcomes related to prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation and hospitalization.