Coronavirus: Experts outline a three-way approach to tackle the virus

Pune: Sparing time for logistic forces, using concomitant strategies and not delaying required therapies are a three-way approach to fight against Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), said Dr Benan Bayrakci of the Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.

He was speaking during an exclusive webinar for medical professionals where international experts shared tips and best practices on Covid-19 and management of Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The organisers for the webinar were YPO South Asia - Impact Initiative, Dr Gunes Aygok, NY, USA, Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine - Pune Branch in association with Sakal Media Group.

The webinar was moderated by Vagesh Dixit, Regional Chairman of YPO Gold South Asia.

"During the treatment, the fight is against systematic and local hyper inflammation, vasculitic micro thrombosis and surfactant deficiency. Doctors should not delay required therapies," said Dr Bayrakci.

He added that the early incubation increases demand for ventilators and is contributing to the worldwide shortage.

"Avoiding or delaying invasive mechanical ventilation could substantially reduce immediate demand for ventilators. Also, negative pressure ventilation should be considered for mild to moderate cases in order to avoid intubation. As negative pressure ventilation causes less harm," said Dr Bayrakci.

He also emphasised that COVID-19 affects every patient in a different way. Hence, treatment modality should be adopted by the doctors as per the requirement of the patients.

Dr Kapil Borawake, Chairman, Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine, Pune Branch said that the webinar was very helpful for doctors who are treating COVID patients in India.

"With limited resources in India, doctors are struggling day and night to save every life. This webinar threw very useful insights for doctors treating COVID-19 patients in India," said Dr Borawake.

Dr Subhal Dixit, Immediate Past Chancellor, Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine said that patients should approach doctors and hospitals as soon as they show symptoms.

"The death rate for COVID-19 is two to three per cent. Hence the early treatment is the key. This can be easily done if patients go to doctors as soon as they have symptoms," said Dr Dixit.

Dr Kapil Zirpe, Past President, Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine, said that challenges in front of Indian doctors are very different.

"However, what COVID does to the organs is understood by doctors. It will help them to give effective treatment to patients. This can intern help patients be off the ventilator during their treatment. And help decrease the mortality rate," said Zirpe.

The organisers for the webinar were YPO South Asia - Impact Initiative, Dr Gunes Aygok, NY, USA, Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine - Pune Branch in association with Sakal Media Group. YPO is the global leadership community of more than 29,000 chief executives in 130 countries who are driven by the belief that the world needs better leaders.