ABSTRACT
Background. Patients affected by COVID-19 pneumonia who present severe symptoms with manifest hypoxemia and cytokine storm have a high mortality rate, which is why therapies focused on reducing inflammation and improving lung function have been used, one of them being jakinibs through of the blocking of the JAK tracks. Methods. Patients who presented data of severe pneumonia due to COVID-19 with data of severe hypoxemia and cytokine storm were selected, from June to August 2020, to whom the SaO2/FiO2 ratio is measured at the beginning, intermediate and end of treatment, as well as D dimer and serum ferritin. Comorbidity and drugs taken previously are analyzed. The patients being cared for at home. Results. We included data from 30 patients, 8 (27%) women and 22 (73%) men, with a median age of 58.5 (46.5 - 68.0) years. 23 patients (77%) had comorbidities, the most frequent being arterial hypertension (43%), followed by obesity (30%), type 2 diabetes mellitus (27%), among others. In the laboratory, the medians of D-Dimer 982 ng/ mL, Ferritin 1,375 ng/mL and C-Reactive Protein 10.0 mg/dL. Regarding the use of previous medications, we found that 29 (97%) patients had treatment with some medication, the most frequent: azithromycin (77%), ivermectin (53%) and dexamethasone (47%). The median number of medications received was 3. The initial pulse oximetry (SaO2) measurement with room air had a median of 80.5% and the median SaO2/FiO2 (SAFI) was 134;Regarding the type of SIRA, 90% had moderate SIRA and 10% had severe SIRA. The median day of evolution on which baricitinib was started was 10 days, all received 4 mg/day, and the median days of treatment with baricitinib was 14.0 days. At follow-up, SaO2 at 7 days had a median of 93.0% and the median SAFI at 7 days was 310.0;the median SaO2 at 14 days was 95.0% and the median SAFI at 14 days was 452.0. In comparative analysis, baseline SaO2/SAFI was significantly lower compared to 7 and 14 days (p = 0.001 for both comparisons). The outcomes, 27 (90%) patients improved and there were 3 (10%) who died. Conclusion. Baricitinib therapy in these patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia who present with severe hypoxemia and cytokine storm presented good results by improving clinical status and pulmonary failure, with patients being cared for at home and avoiding mechanical ventilation.
ABSTRACT
Background. Large mortality rates have been reported in the Mexican public health system, however in the experiences of private hospitals that have resources and infrastructure this is lower compared to the national average. Methods. Descriptive and retrospective study. Adult patients treated for pneumonia due COVID-19 from April to December 2020 are entered into the study. Its general characteristics such as gender and age, comorbidities, influenza vaccination history, clinical characterization, laboratory and tomographic diagnosis of sars cov2 pneumonia are studied, as well as the drug and oxygen therapy treatments received and finally, its evolution and clinical outcome. Results. 132 patients were studied, of which 51% were female. The main age groups affected were 65 and over (43.9%), 50-59 years (20.4%) and 25-44 years (16.6%). The main comorbidities found were: arterial hypertension (43.9%), Diabetes mellitus 2 (33.3%), heart disease (11.3%) and obesity (10.6%). 95.4% of the patients were not vaccinated against influenza. The main symptoms reported were: fever (92%), cough (87%), dyspnea (76%) and headache (52%). The diagnosis was confirmed with RT-PCR in 63%, reporting negative RT-PCR in 36%;the antigen test was positive in 1%. Regarding the findings of the chest computed tomography, CORADS 5 was reported in 30%, CORADS 6 in 3% and CORADS 4 in 20%. The main treatments used in patients with severe inflammatory pneumonia were: steroids (98%), enoxaparin (100%), tocilizumab (20%), baricitinib (60%), direct oral anticoagulants (10%), fibroquel (5%). 60% were treated with a combination of two or more drugs. The main oxygenation contributions were: 20% nasal tips - mask/reservoir, 60% high flow nasal cannula, 20% mechanical ventilation. In 95% the prone position was indicated. Regarding the clinical evolution, 65.1% were towards improvement, 17.4% died, 12.1% requested transfer to another unit and 5.3% requested voluntary discharge. Overall mortality was 17%. Conclusion. A hospital strategy that has the necessary resources and infrastructure as well as openness to the use of medication with emergency approvals for its use or off-label indications, can help limit morbidity and mortality in vulnerable populations and manifest risk factors such as Mexican population.