Critical care of severe bronchiolitis during shortage of ICU resources.

ABSTRACT: Large seasonal outbreaks of bronchiolitis put pressure on healthcare systems and particularly on intensive care units (ICUs). ICU admission is necessary to provide respiratory support to the severest cases, otherwise bronchiolitis can result in substantial mortality. ICU resources are often insufficient and there is scant evidence to guide the ICU clinical management. Most available studies do not cover the ICU-admitted cases and do not consider the associated public health issues. We review this topic through a multidisciplinary approach from both the clinical and public health perspectives, with an analysis based on pathophysiology and cost-effectiveness. We suggest ways to optimise respiratory care, minimise ICU stay, "protect" ICU beds and, whenever possible, make them available for ot

SUBMITTER: De Luca D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10850123 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature