The Effectiveness and Side Effects of Remdesivir in COVID-19 Patients with Pneumonia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v16i4.18573Keywords:
antiviral, COVID-19, pneumonia, remdesivirAbstract
Background: Remdesivir is one of the antiviral agents to treat COVID-19 infection. It has an antiviral activity
directly related to activation of pro-inflammatory responses, causing cytokine storm, multiorgan damage and
mortality. With these potential activities, this study investigated the effectiveness and evaluated side effects of
remdesivir used for COVID-19 patients with pneumonia.
Methods: This cohort observational study collected data retrospectively from medical records of COVID-19
patients at Bhayangkara H.S Samsoeri Mertojoso Hospital, Surabaya. Patients who received remdesivir with
loading dose (1 x 200 mg) IV had to follow maintenance dose (1 x 100 mg) IV. They were analyzed in three groups
from October 2020 to February 2021. The data conveyed PCR/rapid Ag Swab, oxygen saturation, chest X-rays
imaging, BUN, SCr, SGOT and SGPT.
Result: A total of 60 patients were evaluated in three therapeutic groups, and the administration of remdesivir
within 5-9 days was effective. Mostly, the patients (77%) had negative PCR/rapid Ag Swab; most of them (52%)
had better oxygen saturation by supplementary oxygen therapy; more than a half had better chest X-rays imaging
parameters (68%). Common side effects included an increase in SGOT (85.30%), SGPT (79.88%), BUN (74.23%),
and serum creatinine (43.33%).
Conclusion: The antiviral effect of remdesivir with loading dose (1 x 200 mg) IV needs to follow maintenance dose
(1 x 100 mg) IV for 5-9 days. Hence, COVID-19 patients with pneumonia could have clinical improvement with
increased level of liver and kidney function.
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