Inspiratory Effort and Lung Mechanics in Spontaneously Breathing Patients with Acute Respiratory Failure due to COVID-19: A Matched Control Study
Roberto Tonelli, Stefano Busani, Luca Tabbì, Riccardo Fantini, Ivana Castaniere, Emanuela Biagioni, Cristina Mussini, Massimo Girardis, Enrico Clini, Alessandro Marchioni
Abstract
Several physical and biological mechanisms can drive progression between the different phases of lung injury due to SARS-CoV-2 infection, thus modifying the mechanical properties and behavior of COVID-19 over time. In this research letter we have presented the findings of a registered clinical trial aimed at describing and comparing the inspiratory effort (primary outcome) and the breathing pattern of spontaneously breathing patients with ARF in COVID-19 and historically matched non-COVID-19 patients, either candidate to NIV. Moreover, we reported the response to a 2 hours NIV trial in the two groups. Spontaneously breathing COVID-19 at their early onset of acute respiratory failure with indication for NIV showed different mechanical characteristics and breathing pattern when compared with non-COVID-19.