Acute chest syndrome: a narrative review to guide inpatient management

Abstract

ACS is defined as a new infiltrate in a chest radiograph involving at least one broncho-pulmonary segment in an individual with one additional clinical finding. There are multiple causes of ACS which include infections, pulmonary edema, pulmonary infection, hypoxemia and hypoventilation. The goal is to quickly diagnose and treat this condition to prevent irreversible lung damage and mortality. In this narrative review, we discuss why a balanced approach to fluid and pain management will provide better outcome for patients, and the evidence behind using antibiotics, steroids, bronchodilators, nitric oxide, incentive spirometry, as well as the current management of patients with concomitant ACS and SARS-CoV2.