Oxygen Requirements and Use in Patients With COVID-19 in LMICs

Oxygen Requirements and Approaches to Respiratory Support in Patients With COVID-19 in LMICs: A WHO Study

This observational cohort study will enroll patients in LMICs with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 on oxygen or deemed to require oxygen therapy based on objective criteria. Demographics and risk factor information will be collected from participants. Participants will be followed for 7 days or until outcome (hospital discharge or death). Facility level metrics on oxygen availability will also be collected at the beginning of site enrolment.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted, more than ever, the acute need for scale up of oxygen therapy. WHO has provided an inventory tool to quantify facility-level provision of infrastructure to deliver oxygen therapy. However, data on the use of oxygen therapy at the patient-level remains lacking. This observational cohort study will enroll patients in LMICs with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 on oxygen or deemed to require oxygen therapy based on objective criteria. Demographics and risk factor information will be collected from participants. Participants will be followed for 7 days or until outcome (hospital discharge or death). Facility level metrics on oxygen availability will also be collected at the beginning of site enrolment.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection as determined by treating clinical provider, or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed virologically in the lab by RT-PCR via nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal sample or by SARS-CoV-2 Ag-RDTs that meet the minimum performance requirements of ≥80% sensitivity and ≥97% specificity compared to a NAAT reference assay.
2. Receiving supplemental oxygen or showing clinical evidence of need for supplemental respiratory support as reflected in a respiratory rate ≥30 breaths per minute or an SpO2 ≤ 90%, SpO2 < 94 % if any emergency signs are present
3. Admitted to health care facility

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Is not receiving oxygen or does not have clinical criteria for oxygen treatment specified above oxygen therapy
2. Does not have suspected or confirmed COVID-19 (as per criteria above)
3. Patient younger than 12 years of age
4. Lack of commitment to full supportive care