Recommendations for the implementation of pediatric respiratory support in COVID-19. Intensive Kinesiology and Respiratory Therapy Chilean

Abstract

According to the available information, pediatric cases of COVID-19 would present less frequently, most of them with mild to moderate clinical picture, and low associated morbidity and mortality5 . However, we do not know the actual behavior that SARS-CoV-2 will have in Chile, nor the impact that its interaction with other respiratory viruses will have on the clinical outcome. On the assumption that pediatric patients requiring hospitalization due to suspicion or confirmation of COVID-19 will need different levels of respiratory support, we have developed wide-range recommendations based on the optimal management of pediatric respiratory support according to the principles of quality and efficiency in the delivery of support, biosafety parameters, and appropriate use of resources6 . These elements, which are related to assembling and filtering the aerosols produced by some respiratory support equipment, are recommended in this guide in order to unify technical criteria that allow optimal support for the pediatric patient while maintaining the highest possible biosafety for the patient and the health team.