Pulmonary Rehabilitation of a Critically Ill Patient with Severe COVID-19: A Case Report

  • Kristopher de Leon
  • Ramon Angel P. Salud University of the Philippines Philippine General Hospital
Keywords: COVID-19, critical illness, intensive care unit, rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation

Abstract

Coronavirus 19 disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This is a case of a previously healthy 61-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with progressive dyspnea and a confirmed COVID-19 test, who was critically ill with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. The principles of pulmonary rehabilitation were implemented starting from the sixth hospital day (time of referral from the intensive care unit) until he was transferred to a non-COVID ward and discharged. The patient participated in six treatment sessions while admitted, with each session lasting nearly 30 minutes. His Barthel index score improved from 0 (total dependence) to 85/100 (modified independence), with improvements in pulmonary secretions, shortness of breath, rate of perceived exertion, muscle strength, and endurance. He was able to return to work after three months. The application of the principles of pulmonary rehabilitation for critically ill patients with severe COVID-19 helped improve the cardiopulmonary, cognitive, and functional aspects of the patient throughout the course of hospital admission and beyond discharge.

Author Biography

Ramon Angel P. Salud, University of the Philippines Philippine General Hospital

Dr. Ramon Salud is a graduate of the Ateneo De Manila University with a bachelor of science in psychology. He pursued further studies and obtained his medical degree in the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health, where he also has a Master's degree in Business and Administration. He is currently a 2nd-year Resident of Rehabilitation Medicine in the Philippine General Hospital. 

Published
2022-03-14
How to Cite
1.
de Leon K, Salud RAP. Pulmonary Rehabilitation of a Critically Ill Patient with Severe COVID-19: A Case Report. Acta Med Philipp [Internet]. 2022Mar.14 [cited 2024Mar.29];56(4). Available from: https://actamedicaphilippina.upm.edu.ph/index.php/acta/article/view/4258