Uninterrupted Continuous and Intermittent Nebulizer Therapy in a COVID-19 Patient Using Sequential Vibratory Mesh Nebulizers: A Case Report

Abstract

Interruptions in continuous nebulized pulmonary vasodilators, such as epoprostenol, can potentially result in clinical deterioration in respiratory status. Coadministration of other intermittent nebulized therapies may require opening the ventilator circuit to facilitate administration. However, in patients with SARS-CoV2 infection, it is preferred to avoid opening the circuit whenever feasible to prevent aerosolization of the virus and exposure of health care workers. In this study, we describe a unique method of administering continuous epoprostenol nebulization and intermittent nebulized antibiotics, mucolytics, and bronchodilators, using Aerogen vibrating mesh nebulizers without interruptions in epoprostenol or opening the ventilator circuit. This technique set up consisted of stacking two Aerogen nebulizer cups, each with its own controller. This approach was successful in allowing concomitant delivery of intermittent and continuous nebulized therapy without interruptions. To our knowledge, this method has not been previously described in the literature and may be helpful to bedside clinicians facing a similar clinical scenario.

Keywords: COVID-19; epoprostenol; mucolytics; nebulized antibiotics.