RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Sleep laboratories reopening and COVID-19: a European perspective
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP 2002722
DO 10.1183/13993003.02722-2020
VO 57
IS 3
A1 Schiza, Sophia
A1 Simonds, Anita
A1 Randerath, Winfried
A1 Fanfulla, Francesco
A1 Testelmans, Dries
A1 Grote, Ludger
A1 Montserrat, Joseph M.
A1 Pepin, Jean-Louis
A1 Verbraecken, Johan
A1 Ersu, Refika
A1 Bonsignore, Maria R.
YR 2021
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/57/3/2002722.abstract
AB Clinical activities regarding sleep disordered breathing (SDB) have been sharply interrupted during the initial phase of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic throughout Europe. In the past months, activities have gradually restarted, according to epidemiological phase of COVID-19 and national recommendations. The recent increase in cases throughout Europe demands a reconsideration of management strategies of SDB accordingly. Diagnosis of SDB and initiation of treatment pose some specific problems to be addressed to preserve the safety of patients and health personnel. This perspective document by a group of European sleep experts aims to summarise some different approaches followed in Europe and United States, which reflect national recommendations according to the epidemiological phase of the COVID-19 infection. Respiratory sleep medicine is likely to change in the near future, and use of telemedicine will grow to avoid unnecessary risks and continue to provide optimal care to patients. In addition, the document covers paediatric sleep studies and indications for titration of noninvasive ventilation, as well as precautions to be followed by patients who are already on positive airway pressure treatment. A single consensus document developed by the European Respiratory Society and national societies would be desirable to harmonise SDB management throughout Europe.Specific precautions should be applied for starting activities in respiratory sleep centres during the COVID-19 epidemic https://bit.ly/3keRjii