Caring for patients with COPD and COVID-19: a viewpoint to spark discussion
Sami O. Simons, John R. Hurst, Marc Miravitlles, Frits M.E. Franssen, Daisy J.A. Janssen, Alberto Papi, Marieke L. Duiverman, Huib A.M. Kerstjens
Abstract
Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is currently causing a pandemic of COVID-19, with more than 3 million confirmed cases around the globe identified as of June 2020. During these extraordinary times, caring for patients with COVID-19 and underlying COPD poses particular challenges. Certain treatments relevant to treating patients with COPD, such as nebulised bronchodilators and non-invasive ventilation (NIV), are thought to carry an increased risk of viral spread via aerosols. Uncertainties on whether to use systemic steroids have entered the minds of intensive care and respiratory communities. Moreover, questions regarding which life-sustaining treatments to start, when to start them and even whether to start them are faced by clinicians on a daily basis. Treating COPD effectively in the context of COVID-19 is important since patients with COPD are at an increased risk of poor outcomes. Here, we summarise current viewpoints from four European countries on how to care for patients with COPD and COVID-19. \n \nWe will address the following specific questions: \n \n \nAre patients with COPD at an increased risk of COVID-19? / \n \nShould COVID-19 be considered a COPD exacerbation? / \n \nWhat is the optimal medical treatment for a patient with COPD and COVID-19? / \n \nWhich ventilatory support should be provided to patients with COPD and COVID-19? / \n \nWhat other supportive treatments should be offered to patients with COPD and COVID-19? / \n \nHow should end-of-life care be delivered in patients with COPD during the COVID-19 pandemic?