Treatment modalities for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Abstract

Management of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is based on limited data and keeps changing rapidly as new clinical data emerge. Remdesivir has shown to reduce duration of hospital stay and has been approved for treatment. In RECOVERY trial, corticosteroids lowered 28-day mortality in patients requiring oxygen supplementation or mechanical ventilation. Convalescent plasma did not live up to its initial promise and is not the standard of care for treatment at present. There’s not enough evidence for use of Hydroxychloroquine, Interleukin-6 inhibitors and many other investigational drugs. Bamlanivimab, casirivimab- imdevimab combo, all monoclonal antibodies, have recently been approved for use in mild to moderate COVIID-19, when there’s a high risk of progression to severe disease. Treatment of COVID-19 depends on stage and severity of disease. Antiviral medications are likely to be most effective when used early. Later in the disease, anti-inflammatory medications, anticoagulants and immunomodulators may be more effective. The world is waiting and hoping for a safe and effective vaccine which can put an end to this worldwide pandemic.

Keywords

• covid-19
• treatment
• coronavirus disease
• remdesivir
• favipravir
• hydroxychloroquine
• covid antibody therapies