Effect of Different Corticosteroid Regimens on the Outcome of Severe COVID-19-Related Acute Respiratory Failure. A Retrospective Analysis.

Background: Systemic corticosteroids are associated with reduced mortality in COVID-19-related acute respiratory failure; however, the type and dose has not yet been established.

Objectives: To compare the outcomes of dexamethasone vs. methylprednisolone, along with the effects of rescue, short-term, high-dose boluses of corticosteroids.

Correlation between continuous Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) values and occurrence of Pneumothorax and Pneumomediastinum in SARS-CoV2 patients during non-invasive ventilation with Helmet.

Background: Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure is a common complication of SARS-CoV2 related pneumonia, for which non-invasive ventilation (NIV) with Helmet Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is widely used. The frequency of pneumothorax in SARS-CoV2 was reported in 0.95% of hospitalized patients in 6% of mechanically ventilated patients, and in 1% of a post-mortem case series.

Prevalence and outcome of silent hypoxemia in COVID-19.

Background: In the early stages of COVID-19 pneumonia, hypoxemia has been described in absence of dyspnea ("silent" or "happy" hypoxemia). Our aim was to report its prevalence and outcome in a series of hypoxemic patients upon Emergency Department admission.

Methods: In this retrospective observational cohort study we enrolled a study population consisting of 213 COVID-19 patients with PaO2/FiO2 ratio <300 mmHg at hospital admission.

Myalgia, Obtundity and Fever in a Patient with a Prosthesis.

Objective: We describe a rare case of group G streptococcus (GGS) sepsis complicated by bacterial toxin myopathy.

Case: A 65-year-old man, with a history of infection of his shoulder prosthesis, presented with multiorgan failure and notable myalgia likely caused by toxins. The patient was treated successfully with antibiotics and prosthesis removal.