Anesthetic Implications of Ebola Patient Management

Abstract

worsening oxygenation owing to pleural effusion and development of acute respiratory distress syndrome and may receive a new course of antibiotics for suspected intra-abdominal infection. Such a patient who does not suffer from VAP fulfills all of the criteria for VAC and even for IVAC. In summary, the main conclusions arising from this study are (1) that preventing VAP is possible, although it will not improve overall outcomes and (2) that VAC cannot be used as a surrogate for VAP.A pandemic in 2014 brought the Ebola virus screaming back into the spotlight of the world stage. This article details the history, etiology, epidemiology, and pathophysiology of this dangerous disease, as well as limited known coverage of Ebola patient management.During the course of the past 38 years, the Ebola virus has sparked a number of epidemics. Characteristics of this type of disease include fever and bleeding diathesis. The first documented case believed to be tied to the Ebola virus is believed to have occurred in 1967. The disease is transmitted when secretions from an infected patient come in contact with mucosa, conjunctiva, or percutaneous injury.As emphasized in the piece, the Ebola virus spreads easily and is highly lethal. The emphasis is on symptom management, not treatment. Rehydration with an electrolyte solution is the most common form of management. Studies of nonhuman primates with the Ebola virus indicate that the greater the viral exposure, the shorter the incubation period and therefore the greater likelihood of death. Survival is possible, however. As the article points out, several promising therapies for Ebola are being developed and on the horizon.

Perioperative Management of Patients Infected with the Novel Coronavirus

“…This document was created based on World Health Organization 2 and National Health Commission guidelines for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, 3 clinical experiences from the most frontline care providers, [4][5][6] and a comprehensive review of updated literature on the perioperative management of infectious patients. [7][8][9] This first edition is not intended to replace any existing guidelines on anesthesia care and infectious disease control. Rather, it is aimed at providing recommendations on how to manage this specific patient population when anesthesiologists provide care either in the perioperative setting or in the management of the airway of patients outside the operating room.…”

Process Development for the Care of the Person Under Investigation for Ebola Virus Disease: a Collaboration of Biocontainment Unit and Emergency Medicine Personnel

“…Secretions and blood from the oropharynx, pharynx, larynx, and bronchial tree may aerosolize during airway and ventilator interventions, and animal models demonstrate the possibility of Ebola virus infection via these aerosolized secretions [17,18]. This constitutes a real risk for contamination and possible transmission of EVD, and, while the recommended PPE for personnel in the patient care area for the PUI provides the protection necessary to prevent aerosolized fluids from contaminating exposed skin of the neck or face, it does not fully address the potential for inhalation of aerosolized body fluids.…”