ROLE OF REMDISIVIR IN MODERATE AND SEVERE COVID PNEUMONIA PATIENTS IN PAKISTANI POPULATION

Dr. Shazia Awan, Dr. Aisha Ashfaq, Dr. Uzma Batool, Dr. Asifa Karamat, Dr. Khalid Shahzad*, Dr. Anum Ashfaq, Dr. Osama Niazi, Dr. Hayida Ali, Dr. Hina Ali and Dr. Irshad Khan

ABSTRACT

Background: Remdesivir is a broad spectrum nucleotide analogue that inhibits RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity among a diverse group of RNA viruses. Non-clinical and clinical data suggest that remdesivir may be useful for the treatment of COVID-19. Objectives: To evaluate outcome of remdesivir administration among patients with moderate and severe COVID pneumonia. METHODS: Study Design: Cross sectional Prospective study. Study Setting: Pakistan atomic energy commission hospital, Chashma. Study Duration: 06 months. Data collection and analysis: 207 subjects aged 12 years and above of either gender who had SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by polymerase-chain-reaction assay or through radiographic evidence and either had oxygen saturation of >94% or less while they were breathing ambient air or were receiving supplemental oxygen with moderate and severe COVID pneumonia admitted in hospital for routine care were included in the study through a non probability / consecutive sampling. The primary endpoint was final outcome of the treatment and time to clinical recovery. Data was entered and analysed in SPSS ver: 21.0. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for qualitative variables and mean and standard deviation for quantitative variables. Outcome was cross tabulated for independent variables and t –test was used for numerical variables and chi-square test was used for nominal variables with p < .05 as statistical significant. Results: 207 subjects included in the study among them 62.8% were male and 37.2% were females. Mean age of patients was 50.9 + 13.796 years and mean duration of illness was 6.376 days with 1 – 12 days range. 96.6% of patient improved and 3.4% had deterioration in their condition. Outcome was cross tabulated with disease severity. 95.5% who had improved outcome was having moderate disease as compared to 93.1% who had severe disease as was statistically significant. (p < .038). Conclusion: The timely administration of remdesivir to moderate and severe COVID pneumonia patients can significantly reduce their mortality and morbidity and thus improve the outcome of the disease.

Keywords: COVID-19, Pneumonia, Remdesivir.