RESUMEN
Purpose: Remdesivir is an adenosine nucleotide analog antiviral drug recommended in these treatment combinations. While vaccine and drug studies are underway in the treatment of COVID-19, remdesivir is also being studied in terms of efficacy, safety, and potential side effects. Therefore, we aimed to share our experiences of patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and treated with remdesivir in our hospital. Material and method: Patients over 18 years of age, who were diagnosed with COVID-19 in our hospital between March 15 and March 30, 2020, based on positive RT-PCR and/or thoracic computed tomography (CT) results studied from nasopharyngeal samples, were screened retrospectively. Those who had received Remdesivir treatment were included in our study. Results: 23 patients were included in our study. Eighteen (79.2%) of the patients were male and 5 (20.8%) were female. Remdesivir initiation time was 8.4±2.6 days from the onset of symptoms and 6±2.6 days from the time of diagnosis. In the follow-up period, we had to hospitalize 18 patients (78.2%) in the intensive care unit (ICU). 14 (60.8%) needed a mechanical ventilator. Post-treatment follow-up showed that 15 (65.2%) recovered, and 8 (34.8%) resulted in mortality. Conclusion: Since inflammation is as critical as the replication of the virus in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 disease, the use of remdesivir in combination with other antiviral and anti-cytokine therapies may increase the effectiveness. We believe that we need new studies in this regard. © 2023, Pamukkale University. All rights reserved.
RESUMEN
Introduction: It has been reported that short-term and lowdose intravenous corticosteroids prevent the progression of the disease and reduce mortality during the hyperinflammation period caused by the virus in COVID-19 disease. The aim of our study is to evaluate the clinical course, hospital readmission and mortality rates of patients with mild to moderate COVID- 19 pneumonia, who do not need oxygen and for whom we started outpatient corticosteroid treatment. Materials and Methods: Patients over the age of 18 who applied to our hospital with the diagnosis of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 pneumonia and were treated with outpatient oral systemic corticosteroid were included in the study. Inclusion criteria were pneumonia finding consistent with mild to moderate COVID-19 involvement in lung computerized tomography, seven days or more from symptom onset, and oxygen saturation of 93 and above. The patients were given dexamethasone 8 milligrams (mg) methylprednisolone 32 mg, methylprednisolone 40 mg as oral systemic corticosteroid. Results: The mean age of the patients was 49.2 +or- 12, and 60% of them were male. The median steroid duration was 6.76 +or- 2.35 days. Due to ongoing symptoms, 56% of the patients were admitted to the hospital again, 12% were hospitalized due to clinical and laboratory deterioration, the intensive care hospitalization rate was 3% and the mortality rate was 2% (2/100). Conclusion: As a result, the effectiveness of oral corticosteroids on mortality and morbidity has not been demonstrated in mild to moderate COVID-19 pneumonia. Well-designed randomized controlled studies are needed on this subject.