Table 2.
Results of the online survey. Data in absolute number or mean value ± standard deviation. The original questions were asked in German. English translations are shown here. (*) for questions with multiple answers possible.
| Question | n | n (%) or MV ± SD |
|---|---|---|
| Have you previously treated COVID-19 patients in your ICU? | 218 | |
| Yes | 205 (94.0) | |
| No | 13 (6.0) | |
| Please tell us how many COVID-19 patients you have provided on your ICU to date. | 191 | |
| Exact number | 75 | 30.84 ± 30.16 |
| Estimated number | 110 | 40.25 ± 35.38 |
| Specification not possible | 4 | |
| Please list the number of beds in your hospital. | 191 | |
| <200 | 25 (13.1) | |
| 200–600 | 69 (36.1) | |
| 600–1000 | 32 (16.8) | |
| >1000 | 61 (31.9) | |
| Please list any special technical equipment available in your ICU. (*) | 191 | |
| Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) | 84 (44.0) | |
| Pumpless extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (pECLA) | 20 (10.5) | |
| Renal replacement therapy (24 h available) | 177 (92.7) | |
| Advanced hemodynamic monitoring (PiCCO, Swan-Ganz-catheter) | 180 (94.2) | |
| Advanced respiratory monitoring (NAVA, EIT, etc.) | 57 (29.8) | |
| Adaptive ventilation modes (NAVA, PAV, PAV+, etc.) | 83 (43.5) | |
| NO inhalation therapy | 70 (36.6) | |
| Cytokine elimination procedures | 78 (40.8) | |
| Describe the discontinuation criteria for NIV ventilation in COVID-19 patients. | 165 | |
| Consciousness disorder | 145 (87.9) | |
| Respiratory rate | 135 (81.8) | |
| Clinical assessment of the respiratory work | 141 (85.5) | |
| Rapid-Shallow-Breathing-Index | 46 (27.9) | |
| CO2 elimination disorder | 128 (77.6) | |
| Horovitz/oxygenation index | 136 (82.4) | |
| Measurement—work of breathing | 23 (13.9) | |
| If you are using RSBI as a discontinuation criterion for NIV therapy, explain your threshold. (mmHg) | 31 | 105.97 ± 31.05 |
| If you are using work of breathing as a discontinuation criterion for NIV therapy, explain your threshold. (J/L) | 2 | 16.00 ±19.80 |
| What alternative procedures are used instead of invasive ventilation in your ICU for critically ill COVID-19 patients. (*) | 165 | |
| Oxygen therapy only | 32 (19.4) | |
| High-Flow-nasal Oxygen (HFNC) | 149 (90.3) | |
| Conventional non-invasive ventilation via mask | 147 (89.1) | |
| Alternative NIV-Interface (helmets etc.) | 45 (27.3) | |
| If you use an HFNC, what flow rates are used in critically ill COVID-19 patients? | 165 | |
| HFNC as usual | 128 (77.6) | |
| Reduced flow rates compared to non-COVID to reduce aerosol production | 24 (14.5) | |
| No HFNC due to potential aerosol exposure for personnel | 11 (6.7) | |
| In COVID-19 patients * with severe ARDS, are you already early aiming for spontaneous breathing? | 141 | |
| Yes | 89 (63.1) | |
| No | 23 (16.3) | |
| Only in individual cases | 28 (19.9) |