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Review
. 2023 Jun;44(2):239-248.
doi: 10.1016/j.ccm.2022.11.007. Epub 2022 Nov 23.

Pathophysiology of Hypoxemia in COVID-19 Lung Disease

Kai E Swenson  1 , Charles C Hardin  2
Affiliations
Review

Pathophysiology of Hypoxemia in COVID-19 Lung Disease

Kai E Swenson et al. Clin Chest Med. 2023 Jun.

Abstract

As the pandemic has progressed, our understanding of hypoxemia in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lung disease has become more nuanced, although much remains to be understood. In this article, we review ventilation-perfusion mismatching in COVID-19 and the evidence to support various biologic theories offered in explanation. In addition, the relationship between hypoxemia and other features of severe COVID-19 lung disease such as respiratory symptoms, radiographic abnormalities, and pulmonary mechanics is explored. Recognizing and understanding hypoxemia in COVID-19 lung disease remains essential for risk stratification, prognostication, and choice of appropriate treatments in severe COVID-19.

Keywords: ARDS; COVID-19; Hypoxemia; SARS-CoV-2.

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