Table 3.

General Management of COVID-19 Using Ventilatory Support (N= 502)*

Characteristics	Values
Initial flow setting of HFNC
● Below 30 L/m	90 (17.9%)
● From 30 to 45 L/m	150 (29.9%)
● More than 45 L/m	80 (15.9%)
Use of humidification with HFNC	309 (61.6%)
NIV modes
BiPAP	161 (32.1%)
CPAP/PS	204 (40.6%)
PC	43 (8.6%)
VC	19 (3.8%)
NIV interfaces frequently used
Full face mask	192 (38.2%)
Helmet	67 (13.3%)
Nasal mask	19 (3.8%)
Oronasal mask	154 (30.7%)
IMV modes
● APRV	39 (7.8%)
● PC	175 (34.9%)
● PRVC	107 (21.3%)
● VC	181 (36.1%)
Humidifier type used with IMV
● Heated circuit	135 (26.9%)
● HEPA	11 (2.2%)
● HME	356 (70.9%)
Ventilation strategy used in IMV
● Low VT ventilation (VT: 4–8 ml/kg of predicted body)	481 (96%)
● Higher VT ventilation (VT>8 ml/kg of predicted body weigh)	20 (4%)
PEEP strategy
● Lower PEEP (PEEP levels <10 cm H2O)	182 (36.3%)
● Higher PEEP (PEEP levels >10 cm H2O)	320 (63.7%)
Use of prone with IMV	430 (85.7%)
Prone duration
<12 hours/day	74 (14.7%)
12 to 16 hours/day	243 (48.4%)
● >16 hours/day	116 (23.1%)
Reasons for not proning
● Limited resources	61 (12.2%)
● Lack of staff training	71 (14.9%)
● Complications	67 (13.3%)
● Not indicated	64 (12.7%)
Tried awake prone positioning	232 (46.2%)
Frequent use of nitric oxide	61 (12.2%)
Use inhaled pulmonary vasodilator	191 (38%)
Use of recruitment manoeuvres	349 (69.5%)
Recruitment manoeuvres used
● Stepwise PEEP adjustment	214 (42.6%)
● Inspiratory hold	146 (29.1%)
Use of (VV) ECMO	97 (19.3%)
Use of systemic corticosteroids	323 (64.3%)

Note: *All percentages are expressed corresponding to the total number of respondents.

Abbreviations: APRV, airway pressure release ventilation; BIPAP, bilevel positive airway pressure; CPAP/PS, continuous positive airway pressure/pressure support; HME, heat and moisture exchanger; HEPA, high-efficiency particulate air; PEEP, positive end-expiratory pressure; PC, pressure control; PRVC, pressure regulated volume control; Vt, tidal volume; VV, venovenous; VC, volume control.