Post-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19: results of double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical study evaluation of efficacy and safety of double-stranded sodium salt RNA drug

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an RNA double-stranded sodium salt drug, a lyophilisate for a solution preparation for an intramuscular and subcutaneous administration, as a means of post-exposure COVID-19 prophylaxis in comparison with placebo.Material and methods. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, randomized phase III clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a double-stranded sodium salt RNA drug (RADAM IN (R) VIRO), a lyophilisate for preparing a solution for intramuscular and subcutaneous administration as a means of post-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19. The study was conducted in 10 research centers in the Russian Federation from May 31, 2022 to January 17, 2023. The study included men and women aged =18 years who cohabitate with a person with a documented COVID-19 diagnosis and do not have symptoms characteristic of COVID-19. At the randomization stage, the subjects were assigned to one of two groups: group 1 (n=400) received a study drug RADAM IN (R) VIRO 5 mg (1 vial) intramuscularly once a day;group 2 (n=400) received placebo 1 vial intramuscularly once a day. The total duration of the study for each subject was no more than 30 days.Results. By day 10-11, in the double-stranded sodium salt RNA drug group, the proportion of the subjects with confirmed COVID-19 and at least 1 symptom characteristic of COVID-19 was 5.76% (23/399), and in the placebo group - 11.03% (44/399). The difference in proportions between the study drug and placebo groups was 0.0526 (5.26%), the 95% confidence interval (CI) for the difference in proportions between the groups was [0.0123;0.0937]). More than 94% of single-dose subjects did not become infected with COVID-19 with any symptoms during the 11 days of the follow-up. As a result of a comparative analysis, it was shown that the infection frequency in the study drug group was statistically significantly (almost twice) less than in the comparison group, which indicates a high efficiency and expediency of using the double-stranded sodium salt RNA drug as a means of the post-exposure COVID-19 prophylaxis.Conclusion. Thus, regardless of the vaccination availability, the effectiveness and feasibility of using the study double -stranded sodium salt RNA drug as a means of the post-exposure COVID-19 prophylaxis was demonstrated not only in medical institutions (outpatient clinics and hospitals), but also in caregivers and/or the persons in contact with COVID-19 patients. The situation was the same in the organizations and enterprises in case of evolution of a mass infection threat and the availability of appropriate medical personnels.

Modern Directed Antiviral Covid-19 Therapy: Results of Multicenter Clinical Effectiveness and Safety Study of Fixed Nirmatrelvir+Ritonavir Combination

The article presents the data from an open, two-stage, multicenter study on the efficacy and safety evaluation of a combined drug (a fixed combination of nirmatrelvir 300 mg, and ritonavir 100 mg) in the complex therapy in COVID-19 patients. The aim of the study was to assess the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic parameters of the fixed combination of nirmatrelvir 300 mg and ritonavir 100 mg in healthy volunteers, the efficacy and safety assessment of the drug in the combination therapy compared with the standard therapy in COVID-19 patients. Material and methods. An open two-stage multicenter clinical study to assess the main pharmacokinetic parameters, safety, and efficacy against COVID-19 of the drug nirmatrelvir 300 mg and ritonavir 100 mg combination (Skyvira((R)) PROMOMED RUS LLC, Russia) in the adult population, included 2 stages. At stage 1, safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated in healthy volunteers (over 18 years of age) in order to confirm their comparability with the literature data known for a set of active substances. Phase 2 assessed efficacy and safety in COVID-19 patients. As a part of the second stage, the study involved 264 patients (men and women aged 18 to 80 years), who had been divided into two groups. The first group patients (n=132) received the study drugs (nirmatrelvir 300 mg and ritonavir 100 mg) - 1 tablet twice a day with an interval of 12 +/- 2 hours for 5 days in combination with pathogenetic and symptomatic therapy. The second group patients (n=132) received standard therapy in accordance with the approved Temporary Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Novel Coronavirus Infection (Version 15 dated February 22, 2022). Results. During the study, none of the patients from the (nirmatrelvir + ritonavir) group experienced a transition of the COVID-19 course to a heavier severity level, in contrast to the patients in the standard therapy group. The study participants included patients with comorbidities (68% of the general population), with risk factors for COVID-19 progression to a heavier severity level and the risk of hospitalization (75% of the general population). There were no cases of COVID-19 progression to a heavier severity level in the study drug group. By the 6th day, in the nirmatrelvir + ritonavir group, the proportion of the patients who had achieved a complete recovery was twice more and amounted to 35.61% (p=0.0001), and the proportion of the patients with a negative RNA analysis to SARS-CoV-2 was 20% higher than in the comparison group, and amounted to 82.58% (p=0.0001). The fixed nirmatrelvir + ritonavir combination therapy has a favorable safety profile comparable to the standard therapy. The identified adverse reactions were transient in nature and did not require discontinuation of therapy or changes in the treatment regimen. Conclusion. The fixed nirmatrelvir + ritonavir combination has a favorable safety profile in COVID-19 patients, comparable to the standard therapy. The data obtained demonstrate a clinical and pharmacoeconomic feasibility of including the fixed (nirmatrelvir + ritonavir) combination in the COVID-19 treatment regimen.

Post-COVID syndrome in children and adolescents: a literature review and clinical case

Post-COVID-19 syndrome is an important challenge for modern medicine, requiring the involvement of different health professionals. This multidisciplinary approach is underpinned by the variety of clinical manifestations and the need for comprehensive rehabilitation of patients, including children and adolescents. The review highlights clinical manifestations of post-COVID-19 syndrome. Currently, a symptom management approach has been established for improving post-COVID-19 conditions. Also, appropriate lifestyle changes, such as adequate rest and sleep hygiene, may be useful. Rehabilitation interventions for post-COVID-19 syndrome may include physiotherapy exercises and various psychotherapy techniques. Since mitochondrial dysfunction, energy supply deficit, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and immune dysregulation profoundly impact the pathogenesis of post-COVID-19 syndrome, the use of L-carnitine which plays a crucial role in energy production, is considered as a promising method in the management of such patients. L-carnitine may have cardioprotective, anabolic and neuroprotective effects. The authors present a case report of post-COVID-19 condition in their own patient, a 4-year-old boy who survived multisystem inflammatory syndrome. As a result of combination therapy, including L-carnitine, the patient's sense of well-being significantly improved: he had no complaints, the muscle weakness and asthenization became less pronounced, and his spirits rose. The described clinical case illustrated the effectiveness of using L-carnitine in the combined therapy of post-COVID-19 syndrome in children . © 2022, Meditsina-Inform LLC. All rights reserved.

Feasibility of targeted antiviral therapy for acute respiratory viral infections in the COVID-19 pandemic.

The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy and safety of using etiotropic therapy with favipiravir and molnupiravir that can selectively bind and inhibit not only SARS-CoV-2 proteins but also other RNA-containing pathogens of acute respiratory diseases. High transmission of pathogens, the risk of becoming chronic, frequent complications, cases of co-infection with several pathogens, which can lead to a more severe course of the disease, insufficient vaccination effectiveness, all this requires additional strategies for both prevention and treatment of acute respiratory viral infections. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), which has no equivalent in human cells, is involved in RNA synthesis and is an excellent therapeutic target for diseases caused by RNA viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. The long process of drug development and the "reuse" of drugs approved for other indications or successfully tested in terms of safety and tolerability pose the challenge of rapid establishment of an effective drug, including for the treatment of severe cases of COVID-19.Copyright © 2022, Dynasty Publishing House.

Efficacy and Safety of Original Drug Based on Hexapeptide Succinate in Complex Covid-19 Therapy in Adults Hospitalized Patients

Currently, there are data that that make it possible to speak about a high clinical efficacy of the use of succinic salt of tyrosylD-alanyl-glycyl-phenylalanyl-leucyl-arginine (hexapeptide succinate) for the COVID-19 treatment. This article is devoted to the results of clinical trials of the original Russian drug based on it. The aim of the study was to evaluate a clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability of intramuscular and inhalation use of hexapeptide succinate in complex therapy in comparison with standard therapy in patients with moderate COVID-19. Materials and methods. The research was conducted from February 28, 2022 to November 22, 2022 based on 10 research centers in the Russian Federation. The study included hospitalized patients (n=312) over 18 years of age with moderate COVID-19 who had undergone a screening procedure and were randomized into 3 groups: group 1 received standard therapy in accordance with the Interim Guidelines in force at the time of the study, within 10 days;group 2 received hexapeptide succinate (Ambervin Pulmo) intramuscularly at the dose of 1 mg once a day for 10 days;group 3 received hexapeptide succinate (Ambervin Pulmo) 10 mg once a day by inhalation for 10 days. Results. According to the results of the study, therapy with the drug hexapeptide succinate, both intramuscular and inhaled, provided an acceleration of recovery up to the complete absence of the disease signs in more than 80% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. By the end of the therapy course with the drug, more than 60% of patients had met the criteria for discharge from hospital and could continue the treatment on an outpatient basis. About 70% of patients in the inhalation group and 80% in the intramuscular hexapeptide succinate injection group had concomitant diseases (hypertension - 28%, obesity - 14%), which indicates the effectiveness of this drug use in comorbid patients. The use of the drug contributed to the restoration of damaged lung tissues, normalization of oxygenation, the disappearance of shortness of breath and a decrease in the duration of the disease symptoms compared with standard therapy. As a result of a comparative analysis of adverse events in terms of their presence, severity, causal relationship with the therapy and outcome, there were no statistically significant differences between the treatment groups. Conclusion. Thus, the results of the clinical study of the succinate hexapeptide efficacy and safety showed the feasibility of using the drug in pathogenetic therapy COVID-19 regimens.Copyright © 2022 Volgograd State Medical University, Pyatigorsk Medical and Pharmaceutical Institute. All rights reserved.

[The impact of BMI on the course of the acute SARS-COV-2 infection and the risks that emerge during the first year after the hospital discharge. Subanalysis evidence of the AKTIV and AKTIV 2 registries].

BACKGROUND: There is enough evidence of the negative impact of excess weight on the formation and progression of res piratory pathology. Given the continuing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, it is relevant to determine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the clinical features of the novel coronavirus infection (NCI). AIM: To study the effect of BMI on the course of the acute SARS-COV-2 infection and the post-covid period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: AKTIV and AKTIV 2 are multicenter non-interventional real-world registers. The АКТИВ registry (n=6396) includes non-overlapping outpatient and inpatient arms with 6 visits in each. The АКТИВ 2 registry (n=2968) collected  the  data  of  hospitalized  patients  and  included  3  visits.  All  subjects  were  divided  into  3  groups:  not  overweight  (n=2139), overweight (n=2931) and obese (n=2666). RESULTS: A higher BMI was significantly associated with a more severe course of the infection in the form of acute kidney injury (p=0.018), cytokine storm (p<0.001), serum C-reactive protein over 100 mg/l (p<0.001), and the need for targeted therapy (p<0.001) in the hospitalized patients. Obesity increased the odds of myocarditis by 1,84 times (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1,13-3,00) and the need for anticytokine therapy by 1,7 times (95% CI: 1,30-2,30).The  patients  with  the  1st  and  2nd  degree  obesity,  undergoing  the  inpatient  treatment,  tended  to  have  a  higher  probability  of  a  mortality  rate.  While  in  case  of  morbid  obesity  patients  this  tendency  is  the  most  significant  (odds  ratio  -  1,78; 95% CI: 1,13-2,70). At the same time, the patients whose chronical diseases first appeared after the convalescence period, and those who had certain complaints missing before SARS-CoV-2 infection, more often had BMI of more than 30 kg/m2 (p<0,001).Additionally, the odds of death increased by 2,23 times (95% CI: 1,05-4,72) within 3 months after recovery in obese people over the age of 60 yearsCONCLUSION.  Overweight  and/or  obesity  is  a  significant  risk  factor  for severe  course  of  the  new  coronavirus  infection  and  the associated cardiovascular and kidney damage Overweight people and patients with the 1st and 2nd degree obesity tend to have a high risk of death of SARS-CoV-2 infection in both acute and post-covid periods. On top of that, in case of morbid obesity patients this tendency is statistically significant. Normalization of body weight is a strategic objective of modern medicine and can contribute to prevention of respiratory conditions, severe course and complications of the new coronavirus infection.

Current Aspects of Etiotropic Covid-19 Therapy

Since the beginning of the pandemic, repeated attempts have been made to develop etiotropic therapy for a novel coronavirus infection. Hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir, etc. derivatives were used as antiviral agents, however, they demonstrated a low efficiency and an insufficient safety. In this connection, other groups of drugs with a more effective and safe pharmacological profile are currently being actively used. The aim of the study was to analyze the literature references on the efficacy and safety of antiviral drugs for the COVID-19 treatment.Materials and methods. When searching for the materials for the review article writing, such databases as PubMed, Google Scholar, e-Library were used. The search was carried out on publications for the period from January 2020 to September 2022. The key queries were: COVID-19, etiotropic therapy;immunological drugs;antiviral drugs;interferons.Results. Currently, there are various degrees of effective etiotropic drugs for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. The review has considered a few groups of drugs that are of interest from the point of view of etiotropic therapy: immunological drugs (anticovid plasma, the drugs based on antiviral antibodies, the drugs of recombinant interferons-alpha 2 and-beta 1, as well as interferon inducers, i.e., the drugs based on double-stranded RNA sodium salt, and others);drugs that block the penetration of the virus into the cell (umifenovir);the drugs that disrupt the process of the viral replication (favipiravir, remdesivir, molnupiravir, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir).Conclusion. Synthetic antivirals, in particular favipiravir, molnupiravir, remdesivir, and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, have the largest evidence base for their efficacy and safety. The search for new effective and safe etiotropic drugs for the treatment of COVID-19, as well as the collection and analysis of post-registration data on the drugs already used in clinical practice, continues.

Feasibility of targeted antiviral therapy for acute respiratory viral infections in the COVID-19 pandemic.

The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy and safety of using etiotropic therapy with favipiravir and molnupiravir that can selectively bind and inhibit not only SARS-CoV-2 proteins but also other RNA-containing pathogens of acute respiratory diseases. High transmission of pathogens, the risk of becoming chronic, frequent complications, cases of co-infection with several pathogens, which can lead to a more severe course of the disease, insufficient vaccination effectiveness, all this requires additional strategies for both prevention and treatment of acute respiratory viral infections. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), which has no equivalent in human cells, is involved in RNA synthesis and is an excellent therapeutic target for diseases caused by RNA viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. The long process of drug development and the "reuse" of drugs approved for other indications or successfully tested in terms of safety and tolerability pose the challenge of rapid establishment of an effective drug, including for the treatment of severe cases of COVID-19. Copyright © 2022, Dynasty Publishing House.

Feasibility of targeted antiviral therapy for acute respiratory viral infections in the COVID-19 pandemic

The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy and safety of using etiotropic therapy with favipiravir and molnupiravir that can selectively bind and inhibit not only SARS-CoV-2 proteins but also other RNA-containing pathogens of acute respiratory diseases. High transmission of pathogens, the risk of becoming chronic, frequent complications, cases of co-infection with several pathogens, which can lead to a more severe course of the disease, insufficient vaccination effectiveness, all this requires additional strategies for both prevention and treatment of acute respiratory viral infections. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), which has no equivalent in human cells, is involved in RNA synthesis and is an excellent therapeutic target for diseases caused by RNA viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. The long process of drug development and the "reuse" of drugs approved for other indications or successfully tested in terms of safety and tolerability pose the challenge of rapid establishment of an effective drug, including for the treatment of severe cases of COVID-19. Copyright © 2022, Dynasty Publishing House.

Current Aspects of Etiotropic Covid-19 Therapy

Since the beginning of the pandemic, repeated attempts have been made to develop etiotropic therapy for a novel coronavirus infection. Hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir, etc. derivatives were used as antiviral agents, however, they demonstrated a low efficiency and an insufficient safety. In this connection, other groups of drugs with a more effective and safe pharmacological profile are currently being actively used. The aim of the study was to analyze the literature references on the efficacy and safety of antiviral drugs for the COVID-19 treatment. Materials and methods. When searching for the materials for the review article writing, such databases as PubMed, Google Scholar, e-Library were used. The search was carried out on publications for the period from January 2020 to September 2022. The key queries were: COVID-19, etiotropic therapy;immunological drugs;antiviral drugs;interferons. Results. Currently, there are various degrees of effective etiotropic drugs for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. The review has considered a few groups of drugs that are of interest from the point of view of etiotropic therapy: immunological drugs (anticovid plasma, the drugs based on antiviral antibodies, the drugs of recombinant interferons-alpha2 and -beta1, as well as interferon inducers, i.e., the drugs based on double-stranded RNA sodium salt, and others);drugs that block the penetration of the virus into the cell (umifenovir);the drugs that disrupt the process of the viral replication (favipiravir, remdesivir, molnupiravir, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir). Conclusion. Synthetic antivirals, in particular favipiravir, molnupiravir, remdesivir, and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, have the largest evidence base for their efficacy and safety. The search for new effective and safe etiotropic drugs for the treatment of COVID-19, as well as the collection and analysis of post-registration data on the drugs already used in clinical practice, continues. Copyright © 2022 Volgograd State Medical University, Pyatigorsk Medical and Pharmaceutical Institute. All rights reserved.

Neurological manifestations of COVID-19 in a five-year-old child

A new coronavirus infection (COVID-19, Corona Virus Disease 2019) is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, presenting as both a mild acute respiratory viral infection and a severe form, with damage to various organs and systems. In children under 16 years of age infected with SARS-CoV-2, the vast majority of cases were mild, without marked neurological manifestations. This paper describes a case of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in a five-year-old child associated with SARS-CoV-2, which caused difficulties in the differential diagnosis with demyelinating diseases and hereditary pathology. The disease was diagnosed in a family where both parents were diagnosed with COVID-19 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The CNS lesion was represented by severe central hemiparesis, involvement of some cranial nerves, with impaired pelvic organ function. During the treatment there was a positive dynamics in the somatic and neurological status. The patient was discharged for outpatient treatment with satisfactory rehabilitation potential. SARS-CoV-2 lesions of the nervous system in children can lead to life-threatening and fatal conditions. Timely diagnosis and a comprehensive approach to the management of a child with encephalomyelitis made it possible to avoid adverse effects of the disease and improve the rehabilitation prognosis. Copyright © 2022 National Academy of Pediatric Science and Innovation. All rights reserved.

Modern Directed Antiviral Covid-19 Therapy: Results of Multicenter Clinical Effectiveness and Safety Study of Fixed Nirmatrelvir+Ritonavir Combination

The article presents the data from an open, two-stage, multicenter study on the efficacy and safety evaluation of a combined drug (a fixed combination of nirmatrelvir 300 mg and ritonavir 100 mg) in the complex therapy in COVID-19 patients. The aim of the study was to assess the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic parameters of the fixed combination of nirmatrelvir 300 mg and ritonavir 100 mg in healthy volunteers, the efficacy and safety assessment of the drug in the combination therapy compared with the standard therapy in COVID-19 patients. Material and methods. An open two-stage multicenter clinical study to assess the main pharmacokinetic parameters, safety, and efficacy against COVID-19 of the drug nirmatrelvir 300 mg and ritonavir 100 mg combination (Skyvira PROMOMED RUS LLC, Russia) in the adult population, included 2 stages. At stage 1, safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated in healthy volunteers (over 18 years of age) in order to confirm their comparability with the literature data known for a set of active substances. Phase 2 assessed efficacy and safety in COVID-19 patients. As a part of the second stage, the study involved 264 patients (men and women aged 18 to 80 years), who had been divided into two groups. The first group patients (n=132) received the study drugs (nirmatrelvir 300 mg and ritonavir 100 mg) - 1 tablet twice a day with an interval of 12+/-2 hours for 5 days in combination with pathogenetic and symptomatic therapy. The second group patients (n=132) received standard therapy in accordance with the approved Temporary Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Novel Coronavirus Infection (Version 15 dated February 22, 2022). Results. During the study, none of the patients from the (nirmatrelvir + ritonavir) group experienced a transition of the COVID-19 course to a heavier severity level, in contrast to the patients in the standard therapy group. The study participants included patients with comorbidities (68% of the general population), with risk factors for COVID-19 progression to a heavier severity level and the risk of hospitalization (75% of the general population). There were no cases of COVID-19 progression Copyright © 2022 Volgograd State Medical University, Pyatigorsk Medical and Pharmaceutical Institute. All rights reserved.

CONCLUSION OF EXPERTS. NEW POSSIBILITIES OF ETIOTROPIC THERAPY OF CORONAVIRUS INFECTION.

In conclusion, topical aspects of the etiotropic therapy of a new coronavirus infection and the prospects for the use of SKYVIRA 1 , which is a Russian-made combined drug in the form of tablets based on INN nirmatrelvir + ritonavir, are presented. Target. Determination of the place of medicines based on the INN nirmatrelvir + ritonavir in the etiotropic therapy of patients with a new coronavirus infection, depending on the severity of the course and the timing of the visit to the doctor. Determination of the paradigm for further studies of drugs based on nirmatrelvir. Copyright © 2022, Dynasty Publishing House. All rights reserved.

STUDY OF LONG-TERM CLINICAL AND PATHOGENETIC EFFECTS OF FAVIPIRAVIR-BASED ANTI-VIRAL DRUG IN PATIENTS WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME IN POST-COVID PERIOD

The article presents modern scientific data on long-term clinical and pathogenetic effects of the antiviral drug Areplivir (Favipiravir) in patients with metabolic syndrome in the post-COVID period. The aim of the article is to study long-term cytokine-mediated (IL-6/sIL6r and LIF/sLIFr) pathogenetic effects of the favipiravir (Areplivir®) based drug on the incidence of complications in patients with metabolic syndrome in the post-COVID period. Material and methods. With the approval of the local ethics committee at the N.P. Ogarevs Mordovia State University (Protocol No. 5 dated May 17, 2020) “An open prospective comparative study of the Areplivir® (Favipiravir) drug effectiveness in reducing the risk of complications in the post-COVID period in patients with metabolic syndrome” in the Republic of Mordovia was carried out. The study included 190 metabolic syndrome patients who received the outpatient treatment for COVID-19 at Saransk polyclinics from February 2021 to March 2021. The case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in accordance with the current Temporary Guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the new coronavirus infection. Results. The analysis of the metabolic syndrome patients' follow-up within 1 year after undergoing COVID-19, revealed significant differences in the incidence of complications depending on the intake of the favipiravir based drug. The patients who were administrated with favipiravir at the early stage of infection, were characterized by lower serum levels of four members of the interleukin 6 family - IL-6 (IL-6, sIL6r and LIF, sLIFr) 10, 30 and 180 days after a clinical and laboratory recovery (p<0.001). The average statistical changes in the IL-6/sIL6r system of the group administrated with favipiravir, were 90%, and they were higher than in the group not administrated with antiviral drugs. In the group of the patients administrated with favipiravir, there was a significant (p<0.001) positive dynamic of the sLIFr indicator, while in the comparison group, there was an increase in this indicator. A protective effect of the early favipiravir use was characterized by a decrease in the frequency of cardiovascular complications, a 2.66-fold decrease in the risk of a stroke and the ACS in the post-COVID period. Conclusion. The areplivir therapy in the acute period of coronavirus infection made it possible to timely reduce the viral load. It helps to correct the pro-inflammatory vector of the immune response at the post-COVID stage and, accordingly, reduces the risk of progression of atherosclerosis, transient cerebrovascular accidents with a cognitive decline, an endothelial dysfunction, and can be considered a secondary prevention of life-threatening cardiovascular complications. © 2022 Volgograd State Medical University, Pyatigorsk Medical and Pharmaceutical Institute. All rights reserved.

EFFECTIVENESS AND SAFETY OF FAVIPIRAVIR INFUSION IN PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED WITH COVID-19

Research in the development of new therapeutic agents with a wide spectrum of the antiviral activity and a low ability to develop resistance remains the main dimension in combating the global threat to public health. The need for a parenteral form of favipiravir was dictated by the necessity to increase the efficacy of therapy in COVID-19 inpatients. This dosage form has expanded the possibilities of drug therapy in the inpatients, for whom a therapeutic effect acceleration and a high safety profile of the drugs used are especially important. The aim of the article is the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of a medicinal product containing favipiravir for the parenteral administration against the background of pathogenetic and symptomatic therapy, in comparison with standard therapy in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Materials and methods. An open, randomized, multicenter comparative study was conducted in 6 research centers in the Russian Federation to evaluate the efficacy and safety of favipiravir, a lyophilisate for the preparation of a concentrate for the infusion solution administrated to the patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Screening procedures and randomization were completed in 217 patients, 209 of which had completed the study in accordance with the protocol. Results. Between the study groups, statistically significant differences have been found out, making it possible to consider the hypothesis of the drug Areplivir (favipiravir) superiority for the parenteral administration over the standard therapy, which included favipiravir (p. o.) and remdesivir. A comparative analysis has shown that a course of therapy with the parenteral favipiravir drug leads to a significant improvement in the condition of patients with COVID-19, significant benefits in terms of the speed and frequency of improvement in the clinical status of patients, as well as a reduction in the hospital stay length. It has been proven that therapy with a drug containing favipiravir for the parenteral administration does not adversely affect the parameters of clinical and biochemical blood tests, urinalysis, coagulograms, vital signs and ECG, which indicates the therapy safety. The study drug is characterized by a high safety profile and tolerability. Conclusion. The versatility and resistance to mutations of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase make it possible to consider it as the main target for combating the most common RNA viruses that cause ARVI, that determines the need further studies of favipiravir to expand the range of its indications.

Morphofunctional Characteristics of Erythrocytes and Blood Erythropoietin Level in Patients as Predictors of Severe Course of COVID-19.

Morphological and functional characteristics of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and erythropoietin level in the venous blood were evaluated by laser interference microscopy, Raman spectroscopy with a short-focus extreme aperture lens monochromator, and by ELISA, respectively, in 30 patients with verified moderate COVID-19 at the time of hospitalization and 30 healthy volunteers. The patients whose course of COVID-19 has worsened to critical by day 5 had already had lower (p<0.001) indicators at the time of hospitalization such as the area and thickness of erythrocytes, the hemoglobin distribution and packing density, hemoglobin conformation index (I1355/I1550)/(I1375/I1580) reflecting its oxygen affinity, and blood erythropoietin content. Our findings suggest that these characteristics of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and erythropoietin can serve as potential predictors of COVID-19 aggravation in hospitalized patients.

[ACTIV SARS-CoV-2 registry (Analysis of Chronic Non-infectious Diseases Dynamics After COVID-19 Infection in Adult Patients). Assessment of impact of combined original comorbid diseases in patients with COVID-19 on the prognosis].

AIM: Study the impact of various combinations of comorbid original diseases in patients infected with COVID-19 later on the disease progression and outcomes of the new coronavirus infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ACTIV registry was created on the Eurasian Association of Therapists initiative. 5,808 patients have been included in the registry: men and women with COVID-19 treated at hospital or at home. CLINICALTRIALS: gov ID NCT04492384. RESULTS: Most patients with COVID-19 have original comorbid diseases (oCDs). Polymorbidity assessed by way of simple counting of oCDs is an independent factor in negative outcomes of COVID-19. Search for most frequent combinations of 2, 3 and 4 oCDs has revealed absolute domination of cardiovascular diseases (all possible variants). The most unfavorable combination of 2 oCDs includes atrial hypertension (AH) and chronic heart failure (CHF). The most unfavorable combination of 3 oCDs includes AH, coronary heart disease (CHD) and CHF; the worst combination of 4 oCDs includes AH, CHD, CHF and diabetes mellitus. Such combinations increased the risk of lethal outcomes 3.963, 4.082 and 4.215 times respectively. CONCLUSION: Polymorbidity determined by way of simple counting of diseases may be estimated as a factor in the lethal outcome risk in the acute phase of COVID-19 in real practice. Most frequent combinations of 2, 3 and 4 diseases in patients with COVID-19 primarily include cardiovascular diseases (AH, CHD and CHF), diabetes mellitus and obesity. Combinations of such diseases increase the COVID-19 lethal outcome risk.

STUDY OF CLINICAL AND PATHOGENETIC EFFECTS OF ANTI-VIRAL DRUG BASED ON FAVIPIRAVIR IN COMORBID PATIENTS WITH COVID-19 AT THE OUTPATIENT STAGE OF TREATMENT

In many ways, arterial hypertension and obesity determine the likelihood of a severe course and lethal outcomes in COVID-19. This fact justifies the expediency of an early use of drugs with a direct antiviral action, the analysis of their efficacy not only in the acute, but also in the postcovid period. The aim of the research was to analyze the outpatient cards and case histories of the COVID-19 patients to study the effect of the early (up to the 5th day after the onset of the first symptoms of the disease) use of the drug based on favipiravir, on the frequency of patients' hospitalizations with arterial hypertension and obesity, as well as to determine the cytokine status characteristics of this patient category in the postcovid period. Materials and methods. "An open prospective comparative study of the "Areplivie" (favipiravir) efficacy in the debut of COVID-19 in comorbid patients" was carried out in the Republic of Mordovia (the analysis of the hospitalizations frequency and blood levels of M-CSF, EPO in 218 patients, in terms of the use of the antiviral preparation). Results. According to the results of the analysis, it was found out that, despite the presence of comorbid conditions that increase the risk of developing a severe course of COVID-19, i.e. obesity and essential arterial hypertension, in the group of patients taking favipiravir, the need for hospitalization was twice as low (p < 0.05), in relation to the comparison group. The analysis of the cytokine status revealed that in the postcovid period, in the group that took the drug based on favipiravir at the outpatient stage, the average level of M-CSF was significantly lower (p> 0.05), and EPO was higher (p> 0.05) than in the patients from the group "without antiviral drugs at the outpatient stage". Indirectly, according to the previously obtained data, that acts as a potential marker for reducing the risk of long-term cardiovascular complications of COVID-19. Conclusion. This study showed that an early prescription of favipiravir contributes to a decrease in the rate of COVID-19 patients' hospitalization even against the background of concomitant hypertension and obesity, due to a decrease in the likelihood of moderate and severe courses of the disease, and also leads to an earlier objective and subjective recovery. The results demonstrated a high potential benefit of an early favipiravir use in the novel coronavirus infection and in the prevention of postcovid complications.

Analysis of influence of background therapy for comorbidities in the period before infection on the risk of the lethal COVID outcome. Data from the international ACTIV SARS-CoV-2 registry («Analysis of chronic non-infectious diseases dynamics after COVID-19 infection in adult patients SARS-CoV-2¼).

Aim      To study the effect of regular drug therapy for cardiovascular and other diseases preceding the COVID-19 infection on severity and outcome of COVID-19 based on data of the ACTIVE (Analysis of dynamics of Comorbidities in paTIents who surVived SARS-CoV-2 infEction) registry.Material and methods  The ACTIVE registry was created at the initiative of the Eurasian Association of Therapists. The registry includes 5 808 male and female patients diagnosed with COVID-19 treated in a hospital or at home with a due protection of patients' privacy (data of nasal and throat smears; antibody titer; typical CT imaging features). The register territory included 7 countries: the Russian Federation, the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Moldova, and the Republic of Uzbekistan. The registry design: a closed, multicenter registry with two nonoverlapping arms (outpatient arm and in-patient arm). The registry scheduled 6 visits, 3 in-person visits during the acute period and 3 virtual visits (telephone calls) at 3, 6, and 12 mos. Patient enrollment started on June 29, 2020 and was completed on October 29, 2020. The registry completion is scheduled for October 29, 2022. The registry ID: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04492384. In this fragment of the study of registry data, the work group analyzed the effect of therapy for comorbidities at baseline on severity and outcomes of the novel coronavirus infection. The study population included only the patients who took their medicines on a regular basis while the comparison population consisted of noncompliant patients (irregular drug intake or not taking drugs at all despite indications for the treatment).Results The analysis of the ACTIVE registry database included 5808 patients. The vast majority of patients with COVID-19 had comorbidities with prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. Medicines used for the treatment of COVID-19 comorbidities influenced the course of the infectious disease in different ways. A lower risk of fatal outcome was associated with the statin treatment in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD); with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor antagonists and with beta-blockers in patients with IHD, arterial hypertension, chronic heart failure (CHF), and atrial fibrillation; with oral anticoagulants (OAC), primarily direct OAC, clopidogrel/prasugrel/ticagrelor in patients with IHD; with oral antihyperglycemic therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM); and with long-acting insulins in patients with type 1 DM. A higher risk of fatal outcome was associated with the spironolactone treatment in patients with CHF and with inhaled corticosteroids (iCS) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Conclusion      In the epoch of COVID-19 pandemic, a lower risk of severe course of the coronavirus infection was observed for patients with chronic noninfectious comorbidities highly compliant with the base treatment of the comorbidity.

International register “dynamics analysis of comorbidities in sars-cov-2 survivors” (Aktiv sars-cov-2): Analysis of predictors of short-term adverse outcomes in covid-19

The international AKTIV register presents a detailed description of out-and inpatients with COVID-19 in the Eurasian region. It was found that hospitalized patients had more comorbidities. In addition, these patients were older and there were more men than among outpatients. Among the traditional risk factors, obesity and hypertension had a significant negative effect on prognosis, which was more significant for patients 60 years of age and older. Among comorbidities, CVDs had the maximum negative effect on prognosis, and this effect was more significant for patients 60 years of age and older. Among other comorbidities, type 2 and 1 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer and anemia had a negative impact on the prognosis. This effect was also more significant (with the exception of type 1 diabetes) for patients 60 years and older. The death risk in patients with COVID-19 depended on the severity and type of multimorbidity. Clusters of diseases typical for deceased patients were identified and their impact on prognosis was determined. The most unfavorable was a cluster of 4 diseases, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and diabetes mellitus. The data obtained should be taken into account when planning measures for prevention (vaccination priority groups), treatment and rehabilitation of COVID-19 survivors.