Bundle for pediatric COVID-19 sepsis

Abstract

COVID-19 infection can progress to severe respiratory infection and have high mortality rates. Several pathophysiological factors are observed in fatal cases, with mortality related to multiple organ failure, in addition to the evolution with high levels of serum ferritin, D-dimer, and C-reactive protein. These severe cases often meet the criteria for macrophage activation syndrome with changes in the host’s inflammatory response and an inadequate resolution phase. In the present study, the bundle for COVID-19 sepsis is proposed, including early recognition; protection, handwashing and isolation measures; oxygen therapy; early invasive mechanical ventilation; treatment aimed at modifying the clinical course. This strategy may be useful in the control of children with severe COVID-19 cases, as already demonstrated with the implementation of bundles in sepsis and other etiologies.