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The use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in COVID-19 hypoxemic respiratory failure (h-ARF) under a strict protocol has been described to be highly efficient. However, early prediction of failure is crucial to avoid delayed intubation. Lower PaCO2 values may represent a higher inspiratory effort and, therefore, may help identify patients at greatest risk of CPAP failure. Aim of this study was to observe the PaCO2 trend of COVID-19 patients with h-ARF before and after the initial treatment with helmet-CPAP. A case series study was conducted from November 2020 to March 2021. All adult patients with h-ARF secondary to COVID-19 treated with helmet-CPAP and eligible for endotracheal intubation were observed. Of a total of 54 patients, 32 (59.3%) underwent intubation. Seven (12.9%) patients died in the ETI group, and none in the non-ETI group. Median PaO2/FiO2 ratio on admission was 91mmHg [IQR 68-185] vs. 104mmHg [IQR 85-215] (p=0.137) in the ETI e non-ETI group, respectively. No differences were found either for PaCO2 values on admission (31.5mmHg [IQR 27-35] vs. 29.3mmHg [IQR 27.7-40]) and for PaCO2 variations after 120 minutes of CPAP (+2.38 mmHg ± 3.65 vs. +2.73 mmHg ± 3.96). Changes in PaCO2 values were observed during an initial helmet-CPAP trial, but no differences were found in those undergoing endotracheal intubation as compared to the others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LUS patterns of COVID-19 pneumonia have been described and shown to be characteristic. The aim of the study was to predict the prognosis of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, using a score based on LUS findings., Materials and Methods:  An observational, retrospective study was conducted on patients admitted to Niguarda hospital with a diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia during the period of a month, from March 2 nd to April 3 rd 2020. Demographics, clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings were collected. LUS was performed in all patients. The chest was divided into 12 areas. The LUS report was drafted using a score from 0 to 3 with 0 corresponding to A pattern, 1 corresponding to well separated vertical artifacts (B lines), 2 corresponding to white lung and small consolidations, 3 corresponding to wide consolidations. The total score results from the sum of the scores for each area. The primary outcome was endotracheal intubation, no active further management, or death. The secondary outcome was discharge from the emergency room (ER)., Results:  255 patients were enrolled. 93.7 % had a positive LUS. ETI was performed in 43 patients, and 24 received a DNI order. The general mortality rate was 15.7 %. Male sex (OR 3.04, p = 0.014), cardiovascular disease and hypertension (OR 2.75, p = 0.006), P/F (OR 0.99, p < 0.001) and an LUS score > 20 (OR 2.52, p = 0.046) were independent risk factors associated with the primary outcome. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for an LUS score > 20 was performed with an AUC of 0.837. Independent risk factors associated with the secondary outcome were age (OR 0.96, p = 0.073), BMI (OR 0.87, p = 0,13), P/F (OR 1.03, p < 0.001), and LUS score < 10 (OR 20.9, p = 0.006). ROC curve analysis was performed using an LUS score < 10 with an AUC 0.967., Conclusion:  The extent of lung abnormalities evaluated by LUS score is a predictor of a worse outcome, ETI, or death. Moreover, the LUS score could be an additional tool for the safe discharge of patient from the ER., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)