Abstract
As of October 17th the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) caused a pandemic disease (coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19) 40 million people worldwide, with almost one million deaths. Although most patients have an uncomplicated clinical course, the more severe forms of COVID-19 require hospitalization and intensive care unit admission.
Conventional high-flow oxygen therapy, non-invasive and/or invasive mechanical ventilation, often in combination with pronepositioning, have all been reported to be effective in the majority of patients. However, in severe cases, life-threatening, refractory hypoxemia may occur.
Secondary infections, myocardial disease involvement and a hypercoaguable state with/without pulmonary embolism may also contribute to the complexity of treating these critically ill patients. In such cases rescue therapy may be required.