Has the Pneumothorax’s Course Changed in COVID-19?

Abstract

Aim: During severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) infection, pneumothorax is a frequent consequence. This study investigated the treatment methods and clinical course of 27 patients with a pneumothorax who were followed up in the intensive care unit for 3 months. Material and Method: The inclusion criteria included patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who were admitted to our hospital’s intensive care unit and underwent a tube thoracostomy because of the development of a pneumothorax while receiving invasive mechanical ventilation therapy. Over three months, these patients were evaluated based on age, sex, tube thoracostomy duration, and mechanical ventilation parameters. Results: Among the 27 patients, 17 (62.9%) were men and 10 (37.1%) were women. The mean age of the patients was 68 (39–92) years. Chest tubes were removed in 4 of 27 patients within a week. Conclusion: Tube removal takes longer than that in patients with non-COVID-19-related pneumothorax. Care should be taken to ensure full expansion to prevent pneumothorax recurrence after tube thoracostomy.

Keywords

• SARS-CoV-2
• pneumothorax
• thoracostomy

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