ABSTRACT
Clinical parameters characterizing the efficacy and safety of favipiravir were examined in a multicenter, non-interventional (before-and-after study design) trial in 264 patients with mild COVID-19. It is shown that on the background of 14-day therapy with favipiravir body temperature normalized, blood oxygen saturation improved, and the frequency of tachycardia detection reduced by 16% (p < 0.0001). A statistically significant decrease by 91,3% (p 0.0001) in the frequency of SARS-nCoV-2 RNA detection in the nasopharyngeal mucosa discharge was revealed. A decrease in the concentration of ferritin (by 69% compared to initial values), blood glucose (by 21%), creatinine (by 10%), C-reactive protein (by 36%) (p 0.0001), and D-dimer by 61% (p = 0.016) was noted. The results of the SF-36 health survey questionnaire revealed a significant (p 0.05) improvement in the quality of life in terms of physical functioning (by 35%), and role functioning associated with physical and emotional state by 107% and 160%, respectively. Analysis of the COV19-QoL questionnaire revealed a decrease by 24% in negative perception of the disease (p < 0,01). Among the identified adverse events, elevated level of ALT (in 39.47% of patients), hyperuricemia (in 28.95% of patients), and elevated AST (in 23.68% of patients) prevailed. All the adverse events occurred with mild or moderate severity. There were no lethal outcomes in the studied sample of patients. The analysis showed a satisfactory level of the tolerability of the treatment.Copyright © 2023 Izdatel'stvo Meditsina. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Background: Currently, the present world is facing a new deadly challenge from a pandemic disease called COVID-19, which is caused by a coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2. To date, no drug or vaccine can treat COVID-19 completely, but some drugs have been used primarily, and they are in different stages of clinical trials. This review article discussed and compared those drugs which are running ahead in COVID-19 treatments. Method(s): We have explored PUBMED, SCOPUS, WEB OF SCIENCE, as well as press releases of WHO, NIH and FDA for articles related to COVID-19 and reviewed them. Result(s): Drugs like favipiravir, remdesivir, lopinavir/ritonavir, hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, ivermectin, corticosteroids and interferons have been found effective to some extent, and partially approved by FDA and WHO to treat COVID-19 at different levels. However, some of these drugs have been disapproved later, although clinical trials are going on. In parallel, plasma therapy has been found fruitful to some extent too, and a number of vaccine trials are going on. Conclusion(s): This review article discussed the epidemiologic and mechanistic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2, and how drugs could act on this virus with the comparative discussion on progress and drawbacks of major drugs used till date, which might be beneficial for choosing therapies against COVID-19 in different countries.Copyright © 2022 Bentham Science Publishers.