Combination Therapy Using Remdesivir Shows Positive Effect on Mortality and Intubation in COVID-19 Patients

In a small study done in California, patients with severe COVID-19 and were hospitalized showed a reduction in intubation and mortality rates when they were given a combination therapy of remdesivir, Decadron, and convalescent plasma (CP).

The findings were presented at this year’s Critical Care Congress.

The study included adults younger than 81 who had confirmed COVID-19 with saturation less 94% or less on room air, requiring supplemental oxygen, or mechanical ventilation of less than 24 hours.

A total of 56 patients were qualified to enroll in this study and 33 of these participants received Decadron and convalescent plasma and 24 patients were administered remdesivir in addition to Decadron and CP. The demographic data and comorbidities in both groups were similar with no significant differences.

In terms of the results, 42% of the patients who were not administered remdesivir required intubation, and only 25% of patients who did receive the therapy required intubation.

In the cohort that did not receive remdesivir, 54% of patients were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) whereas, 45% of the group that did receive the therapy required ICU admission.

The mortality rate during hospitalization among patients who did not receive remdesivir was 21% while the second group that did receive the therapy had a decreased mortality rate of 8%.

For both groups, the overall length of hospital stay was similar.

“The result of our study is similar to other studies that support the use of Remdesivir in hospitalized patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and require supplemental oxygen therapy,” the investigators concluded.