Guidelines for the Care of Adult Patients with Severe or Critical COVID-19 in the Americas. Abridged version, 4th edition

Abstract

This fourth edition of the abbreviated version of the Guidelines for the Care of Patients with Severe or Critical COVID-19 in the Americas has been prepared with the aim of facilitating consultation of the recommendations for the management of patients treated in intensive care units in the Region of the Americas. It offers evidence-based recommendations for the identification of markers and risk factors for mortality, infection control, sample collection, patient care (ventilatory and hemodynamic), drug treatment, early rehabilitation, use of diagnostic images, the prevention of complications and the discharge criteria. The recommendations are addressed to all health personnel who care for patients in emergency services and intensive care units, as well as decision-makers and members of government entities related to the management of patients with COVID-19 in the Region of the Americas.