Sedation in times of pandemic by SARS-CoV-2. Ar-ticle of reflection

• Main Authors: Patiño-Pérez, Valentina, Tobar, Juan Camilo, Astaiza-Puerta, Angélica L., Vargas-Garzón, William Andrés, Pinzón-Fernández, María Virginia
• Format: Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Universidad de Antioquia 2021-10-01
• Series: Iatreia
• Subjects: anesthesia; conscious sedation; coronavirus; covid-19; endoscopy; personal protection
• Online Access: https://revistas.udea.edu.co/index.php/iatreia/article/view/343757/20805236

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 is a new coronavirus described for the first time in China, with high capacity of propagation. Its most frequent clinical presentation is respiratory symptoms; however, others have been described as gastrointestinal. Transmission occurs by droplets, aerosols, oral fecal route, conjunctiva, fomites and by direct contact with body fluids of the patient. In this sense, the procedures performed in endoscopy rooms should be considered high risk. Objective: To describe and analyze preventive measures against SARS-CoV-2 for endoscopic-anesthesia practice or other procedures that require sedation, in order to reduce exposure and thus minimize contagion of health personnel. Results: The global response has focused on the use of personal protective equipment to try to reduce the risk to which health care personnel are exposed, but due to the urgency of the emergency, it has not been possible to generate high quality evidence to give definitive recommendations. Reflection: Health personnel should take all protective measures that can be considered effective, and also deconstruct protocols and encourage adherence to them.