Initial assessment and management of respiratory infections in persons with spinal cord injuries and disorders in the COVID-19 era.

ABSTRACT: As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, emergency department (ED) personnel will face a higher caseload, including those with special medical needs such as persons living with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D). Individuals with SCI/D who develop COVID-19 are at higher risk for rapid decompensation and development of acute respiratory failure during respiratory infections due to the combination of chronic respiratory muscle paralysis and autonomic dysregulation causing neurogenic restrictive/obstructive lung disease and chronic immune dysfunction. Often, acute respiratory infections will lead to significant mucus production in individuals with SCI/D, and aggressive secretion management is an important component of successful medical treatment. Secretion management techniques include nebu

SUBMITTER: Henzel MK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7771758 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature