Case Report: Barotrauma in COVID-19 Case Series

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 can cause pulmonary complications, such as increased risk of barotrauma (BT), but its prevalence and risk factors are not known. In this case series, the course of BT and its related risk factors were discussed in patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to the intensive care unit. Medical records of the patients with COVID-19 and BT and hospitalized in the intensive care unit for 5 months were extracted. The course of BT and its possible associated risk factors are descriptively presented. Among 103 patients with COVID-19 who were intubated, 13 patients (12.6) had BT. One patient developed BT before intubation. All patients with BT were male. Half of them developed BT in the first 5 days of intubation. Eight patients (61.53) had a positive culture for Klebsiella pneumoniae. Nine patients (69.9) died. High positive end-expiratory pressure, coinfection with bacterial pneumonia, and history of lung disease may affect BT incidence. The treatment team should increase their upervision on the ventilator setting, especially in the first week of intubation.