Ebola virus disease
ICD-10 A98.4 · ICD-11 1D60.0

Treatment of Ebola Virus Disease with Hypoxaemia (SpO2 < 92%) / Hypoxic Respiratory Failure

Patients with Ebola virus disease who develop hypoxaemia — a peripheral oxygen saturation below 92% — or who progress to hypoxic respiratory failure require prompt respiratory assessment and support alongside strict infection-control precautions.

Clinical Situation

When hypoxaemia is present in Ebola virus disease, an underlying pulmonary cause should be actively considered — including volume overload or pulmonary oedema from congestive heart failure or renal failure, secondary bacterial pneumonia, haemothorax, or bronchospasm from anaphylaxis.

Treatment Approach

Management is centred on supplemental oxygen therapy. The delivery device is selected according to the patient's oxygen requirements and clinical setting, with separate considerations for adults and children. The full device selection criteria, flow rate titration approach, and step-up algorithm are detailed in the complete protocol.

Clinical Target

Target peripheral oxygen saturation:

SpO2 > 94%
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References

  1. When hypoxaemia is present, then a pulmonary condition should be considered, such as volume overload/pulmonary oedema from congestive heart failure or renal failure, secondary bacterial pneumonia, haemothorax or bronchospasm from anaphylaxis.
  2. Face mask with reservoir bag at 15 l/min can be used for adults and children in an emergency situation.
  3. Titrate to lowest flow rate necessary to reach target SpO2 > 94%.
  4. Nasal cannula is preferred in children as it may be easier to tolerate.
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