Prolonged of non-invasive ventilation in COVID-19 patient: Intubate or not - A case report

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is one of the alternative therapies for patients with respiratory failure or acute respiratory distress syndrome to avoid endotracheal intubation and its adverse effects. COVID-19 is a disease attacking respiratory system, inducing hypoxic-type respiratory failure. This case report describes that NIV application is somewhat useful in a number of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia suffering from respiratory failure. Nevertheless, in some cases, endotracheal intubation was done. Meticulous observation on deteriorating clinical and laboratory signs is required to make an immediate decision to switch into invasive ventilator to avoid further worsening.