Treatment Of COVID-19 Research Articles

Aprotinin (II): Inhalational Administration for the Treatment of COVID-19 and Other Viral Conditions.

Aprotinin is a broad-spectrum inhibitor of human proteases that has been approved for the treatment of bleeding in single coronary artery bypass surgery because of its potent antifibrinolytic actions. Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an urgent need to find new antiviral drugs. Aprotinin is a good candidate for therapeutic repositioning as a broad-spectrum antiviral drug and for treating the symptomatic processes that characterise viral respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. This is due to its strong pharmacological ability to inhibit a plethora of host proteases used by respiratory viruses in their infective mechanisms. The proteases allow the cleavage and conformational change of proteins that make up their viral capsid, and thus enable them to anchor themselves by recognition of their target in the epithelial cell. In addition, the activation of these proteases initiates the inflammatory process that triggers the infection. The attraction of the drug is not only its pharmacodynamic characteristics but also the possibility of administration by the inhalation route, avoiding unwanted systemic effects. This, together with the low cost of treatment (≈2 Euro/dose), makes it a good candidate to reach countries with lower economic means. In this article, we will discuss the pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and toxicological characteristics of aprotinin administered by the inhalation route; analyse the main advances in our knowledge of this medication; and the future directions that should be taken in research in order to reposition this medication in therapeutics.

Pandemic Governance: Responses for COVID-19 Management of Zamboanga City

The challenges brought by pandemic governance include the efficient management of socioeconomic, political, and health issues. In today's sociodemographic and globalized environment, a rational and scientific approach to pandemic governance and public health policy formulation necessitates a combination of science, culture, and people. Effective pandemic governance requires an approach that is adaptive, and lesson based. In instances when faith in governmental institutions and political leadership are crucial, knowledge of the public health system, epidemiology, and socio-political issues is also important. Effective pandemic governance can impact COVID-19 management outcomes. This study looks into the Zamboanga City's COVID-19 management responses. It examines the effectiveness of the measures implemented by Zamboanga City in the critical areas specified for the management of the COVID-19 epidemic. This study employs a descriptive-qualitative method using secondary data analysis and interview guide. This study demonstrates that Zamboanga City's approaches to the management of the COVID-19 pandemic are effective in thirteen (13) assessment categories. This study also reveals flaws in the application of countermeasures against the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Thus, there is a need to improve responses on the part of political leaders by designing, integrating, and implementing sound governance strategies in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

Corticosteroid burst therapy in patients with acute heart failure: Design of the CORTAHF pilot study.

Inflammation has emerged as a potential key pathophysiological mechanism in heart failure (HF) in general and acute HF (AHF) specifically, with inflammatory biomarkers shown to be highly predictive of adverse outcomes in these patients. The CORTAHF study builds on both these data and the fact that steroid burst therapy has been shown to be effective in the treatment of respiratory diseases and COVID-19. Our hypothesis is that in patients with AHF and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels without symptoms or signs of infection, a 7-day course of steroid therapy will lead to reduced inflammation and short-term improvement in quality of life and a reduced risk of worsening HF (WHF) events. The study, which is currently ongoing, will include 100 patients with AHF ages 18-85, regardless of ejection fraction, screened within 12h of presentation. Patients will be included who have NT-proBNP>1500pg/mL and CRP>20mg/L at screening. Exclusion criteria include haemodynamic instability and symptoms and signs of infection. After signed consent, eligible patients will be randomized according to a central randomization scheme stratified by centre 1:1 to either treatment once daily for 7days with 40mg prednisone orally or to standard care. Patients will be assessed at study day 2, day 4 or at discharge if earlier, and at days 7 and 31 at the hospital; and at day 91 through a telephone follow-up. The primary endpoint is the change in CRP level from baseline to day 7, estimated from a mixed model for repeated measures (MMRM) including all measured timepoints, in patients without a major protocol violation. Secondary endpoints include the time to the first event of WHF adverse event, readmission for HF, or death through day 91; and changes to day 7 in EQ-5D visual analogue scale score and utility index. Additional clinical and laboratory measures will be assessed. The results of the study will add to the knowledge of the role of inflammation in AHF and potentially inform the design of larger studies with possibly longer duration of anti-inflammatory therapies in AHF.

Motives for parenthood, psychosocial factors and health in women undergoing IVF: A systematic review

IntroductionInfertility affects 8-12% of reproductive-age couples globally, leading to significant psychosocial challenges. This review explores the psychological aspects of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment and its impact on mental well-being.MethodsA systematic review of 13 studies was conducted using Google Scholar, Tandfonline, Medrxiv, and PubMed. Inclusion criteria included studies on women aged 18-50 undergoing IVF, focusing on psychosocial and health factors, published in English or Greek.ResultsWomen undergoing IVF reported increased anxiety during the second and third trimesters. Psychological interventions, such as hope-oriented group counseling, improved mental health and quality of life. Patient satisfaction with IVF was generally high, influenced by demographic variables and psychological factors. Higher stress levels were linked to lower IVF success rates. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated psychological distress and treatment delays.ConclusionsAddressing psychological well-being in IVF is crucial. Integrating psychological support, counseling, and stress management interventions can enhance patient experience, improve treatment outcomes, and promote overall mental health. Further research is needed to develop tailored interventions that address the unique needs of individuals undergoing IVF.

Side effects and hypersensitivity reactions to corticosteroids

The relevance of the topic under study is due to the fact that patients receiving large or repeated doses of corticosteroids often suffer from hypersensitivity reactions or side effects from taking this category of drugs. As a result, this poses a serious problem for healthcare authorities, as the scientific understanding of this phenomenon is still at an early stage. The purpose of study is to comprehensively disclose the various types of mechanisms underlying corticosteroid hypersensitivity, as well as to develop recom­mendations for more accurate methods of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this reaction. To achieve this goal, this theoretical study used various methods, including analysis, deduction, abstraction and generalization, and the method of synthesis. The results of the study underscore the broad spectrum of applications for corticosteroid drugs in medicine, highlighting their systemic effects and potential for side effects and hypersensitivity reactions across various bodily systems. These adverse reactions encompass hyperglycemia, hypertension, respiratory issues, visual impairments, skin conditions like contact dermatitis, bone tissue complications, and behavioral disorders, notably in children. Administering cortico­steroids in COVID-19 treatment necessitates caution due to the potential for life-threatening immediate hypersensitivity reactions, which may be mistaken for disease progression. The results and conclusions of this study, which were formed using the above methods, may lead to a more accurate diagnosis of hypersensitivity to drugs such as corticosteroids, and may also contribute to the development of effective preventive measures. This study is of practical importance for dermatologists, allergists and immunologists, as well as researchers working in the field of rheumatology, allergology and immunology.

Pathogenetic and clinical-neurological features of post-COVID syndrome

Despite the developed methods of treatment and prevention of COVID-19, new strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus continue to appear. The development of complications from various organs and systems against the background of the coronavirus infection COVID-19 is noted. In patients with three or more chronic diseases, the infection can occur with varying degrees of severity, often leading to the formation of acute vascular accidents. Such patients have an unfavorable rehabilitation prognosis due to the severe course of the disease. The complex of symptoms manifested by various psycho-emotional and functional disorders after the coronavirus infection is called post-COVID syndrome. This syndrome develops 3–4 months after COVID-19 infection. The scientific community has put forward a number of hypotheses describing the pathogenetic features of the post-COVID syndrome. It has been proven that the development of this syndrome is associated with the main pathogenetic mechanisms and course of COVID-19, specifically, a disorder in the hemostasis system and hyperproduction of inflammatory cytokines with the development of a «cytokine storm». Post-COVID syndrome is characterized by a wide range of symptoms, the manifestation of which does not depend on the severity of previous COVID-19. However, there is a more severe manifestation of the post-COVID syndrome, with the risk of developing acute vascular accidents, in patients with chronic pathology of the cardiovascular system. The article presents an analysis of modern literature data on the clinical and neurological features of the development and course of post-COVID syndrome.

Effectiveness and safety of molnupiravir in the intended-use population: an observational cohort study

ObjectivesPrevious research reported inconsistent results on the efficacy of molnupiravir in treating COVID-19. Moreover, efficacy was not assessed in the intended-use population (IUP), as defined by the FDA. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of molnupiravir for the treatment of COVID-19 in the IUP. MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study on all IUP in Israel's Clalit Health Services from January 16, 2022, to February 16, 2023. The effectiveness outcome was the incidence of hospitalization or death due to COVID-19, and the safety outcome was the incidence of all-cause mortality within 35 days of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Cox-proportional hazard models were used to analyse the data after 1:5 propensity-score matching. ResultsA total of 49 515 patients met the eligibility criteria. Of them, 3957 molnupiravir-treated patients were matched to 19 785 untreated patients. In molnupiravir-treated patients, 70 out of 3957 (5.1 per 10 000 person per day) experienced COVID-19-related hospitalization or death, compared with 699 out of 19 785 untreated patients (10.4 per 10 000 person per day); RR: 0.50 (95% CI, 0.39–0.64). All-cause mortality was also lower in the treated group, with 41 out of 3957 (3.0 per 10 000 person per day) experiencing mortality compared with 414 out of 19 785 untreated patients (6.1 per 10 000 person per day); RR: 0.50 (0.36–0.68). DiscussionIn a real-world cohort of IUP, molnupiravir therapy was associated with a significant reduction in hospitalizations or deaths due to COVID-19 and all-cause mortality.

From Patient Registry to Multi-Center Research Consortium: the Toxicology Investigators Consortium (ToxIC) Turns Fifteen.

The Toxicology Investigators Consortium (ToxIC) was launched as a prospective multi-center registry of cases who receive medical toxicology consultations. Now, with over 100,000 cases, the Core Registry continues to address many medical toxicology research questions and has served as the foundation for multiple sub-registries, including the North American Snakebite Registry and the Medications for Opioid Use Disorder sub-registry. ToxIC also has evolved a portfolio of non-registry-based projects utilizing medical toxicology physician site principal investigators who enroll patients through emergency departments, irrespective of whether they received a medical toxicology consultation. These studies include the FDA-ACMT COVID-19 ToxIC Pharmacovigilance Project, which identifies adverse drug reactions related to the treatment of COVID-19, the Fentalog Study a toxico-surveillance study of suspected opioid overdose cases, the Drug Overdose Toxico-Surveillance Reporting Program which enrolls either suspected stimulant or opioid overdose cases, and the just being launched Real-World Examination of Naloxone for Drug Overdose Reversal project. Given ToxIC's experience in multi-center studies and its well-developed infrastructure, it is well-positioned to provide a nimble response on the part of the medical toxicology community to addressing evolving toxicological threats, drug and chemical toxicosurveillance, and other important medical toxicology priorities.

Clinical Outcome of Vitamin D Supplementation in Moderate and Severe COVID-19 Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a major global health challenge, especially for individuals with underlying health issues. This study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of vitamin D supplementation in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 in a tertiary care hospital through a randomized clinical trial. Sixty-two SARS-CoV-2 positive patients were enrolled and divided into intervention (vitamin D supplementation) and control groups. Key findings include: The intervention group showed a significant reduction in the need for supplemental oxygen therapy by day 14. Vitamin D supplementation had a steroid-sparing effect, with fewer patients in the intervention group needing steroids compared to the control group. Patients in the intervention group experienced better clinical outcomes, with reduced ICU transfers and shorter hospital stays. A significant decrease in inflammatory markers, specifically ferritin and D-dimer levels, was observed in the intervention group by day 14. Despite these improvements, no significant correlation was found between vitamin D supplementation and overall mortality rates. The study concluded that vitamin D supplementation could be a beneficial adjunctive treatment for managing moderate to severe COVID-19, potentially improving clinical outcomes and reducing healthcare burdens. However, further research with larger sample sizes is needed to validate these findings and establish comprehensive guidelines for vitamin D use in COVID-19 treatment protocols. This abstract provides a concise summary of the study, outlining the purpose, methodology, key findings, and conclusions, reflecting the content of the research accurately.

Targetable domains for the design of peptide-dendrimer inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2

We have recently witnessed that considerable progresses have been made in the rapid detection and appropriate treatments of COVID-19, but still this virus remains one of the main targets of world research. Based on the knowledge of the complex mechanism of viral infection we designed peptide-dendrimer inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2with the aim to block cell infection through interfering with the host-pathogen interactions. We used two different strategies: i) the first one aims at hindering the virus anchorage to the human cell; ii) the second −strategy points to interfere with the mechanism of virus-cell membrane fusion.We propose the use of different nanosized carriers, formed by several carbosilane dendritic wedges to deliver two different peptides designed to inhibit host interaction or virus entry. The antiviral activity of the peptide-dendrimers, as well as of free peptides and free dendrimers was evaluated through the use of SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyped lentivirus. The results obtained show that peptides designed to block host-pathogen interaction represent a valuable strategy for viral inhibition.

Remdesivir for Treatment of COVID-19 Requiring Oxygen Support: A Cross-Study Comparison from Two Large, Open-Label Studies.

Remdesivir, an RNA-polymerase prodrug inhibitor approved for treatment of COVID-19, shortens recovery time and improves clinical outcomes. This prespecified analysis compared remdesivir plus standard-of-care (SOC) with SOC alone in adults hospitalized with COVID-19 requiring oxygen support in the early stage of the pandemic. Data for 10-day remdesivir treatment plus SOC from the extension phase of an open-label study (NCT04292899) were compared with real-world, retrospective data on SOC alone (EUPAS34303). Both studies included patients aged ≥18 years hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 up to 30 May 2020, with oxygen saturation ≤94%, on room air or supplemental oxygen (all forms), and with pulmonary infiltrates. Propensity score weighting was used to balance patient demographics and clinical characteristics across treatment groups. The primary endpoint was time to all-cause mortality or end of study (day 28). Time-to-discharge, with a 10-day landmark to account for duration of remdesivir treatment, was a secondary endpoint. 1974 patients treated with remdesivir plus SOC, and 1426 with SOC alone, were included after weighting. Remdesivir significantly reduced mortality versus SOC (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.46, 95% confidence interval: 0.39-0.54). This association was observed at each oxygen support level, with the lowest HR for patients on low-flow oxygen. Remdesivir significantly increased the likelihood of discharge at day 28 versus SOC in the 10-day landmark analysis (HR: 1.64; 95% confidence interval: 1.43-1.87). Remdesivir plus early-2020 SOC was associated with a 54% lower mortality risk and shorter hospital stays compared with SOC alone in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 requiring oxygen support. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04292899 and EUPAS34303.

COVID-19 Variants and Treatment approaches with Bio-active Compounds of Gmelina arborea: Research work based on Docking Studies

Objective - COVID-19 is the black chapter in the history of the world. Currently, many countries are facing different waves of this pandemic but the problem in front of us is the frequent mutants. Some questions are also coming about how we will treat future coming viruses. Method - Our aim in this research work is to perform the Molecular docking of important bioactive compounds of Gmelina arborea i.e. arboreol, gmelanone, gmelinol and hentriacontanol to the active site of 3CLpro. Result/Conclusion - the docking studies strongly suggest that Gmelina arborea can be used in the disease management. The need is to explore the plant Gmelina arborea, which can give directions in treatment in various diseases including COVID-19.

Low Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir Exposure through Breastmilk: Analyzing Milk Concentrations and Infant Risk.

This research study investigates the intricate relationship among COVID-19, maternal and infant health, and breastfeeding practices, with a specific focus on assessing the transfer of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir into human milk. Our aim is to provide critical insights to those managing COVID-19 treatment in lactating individuals. The InfantRisk Center Human Milk Biorepository contained human milk and corresponding health information for eight mother-infant dyads exposed to standard doses of maternal nirmatrelvir with ritonavir (300 mg nirmatrelvir and 100 mg ritonavir taken orally twice daily for 5 days). The primary outcomes measured were drug levels in milk using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and reporting the tolerance of the breastfed infant. Nirmatrelvir with ritonavir was measurable in all participants at a mean concentration of 33.48 ng/mL (ritonavir) and 729 ng/mL (nirmatrelvir). The estimated infant dose via milk was 0.0024 mg/kg/12 h (ritonavir) and 0.054 mg/kg/12 h (nirmatrelvir). The estimated relative infant dose was 0.19% (ritonavir) and 1.43% (nirmatrelvir) well under the standard 10% safety threshold. Among the eight infants exposed in this study, there were no reported adverse events. Nirmatrelvir with ritonavir is the recommended treatment for ambulatory COVID-19 patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 infection at high risk for progression to severe disease. Although its use is recommended in lactating women, there are no previous studies on the transfer of nirmatrelvir into human milk. The study findings endorse the current approach of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir use in lactating women and encourage healthcare providers to consider prescribing this treatment irrespective of lactation status when indicated.

Evidence - Budesonide Is Safe, Effective Early and Late Treatment for COVID-19

This paper examines the safety and efficacy of budesonide, an inhaled corticosteroid, as both an early and late-stage treatment for COVID-19. Drawing on a comprehensive review of global research, including the U.K. STOIC and PRINCIPLE trials, the Brazil TOGETHER trial, and additional studies from Saudi Arabia, Australia, and India, we provide robust evidence supporting budesonide's therapeutic potential.

P-selectin Facilitates SARS-CoV-2 Spike 1 Subunit Attachment to Vesicular Endothelium and Platelets.

SARS-CoV-2 infection starts from the association of its spike 1 (S1) subunit with sensitive cells. Vesicular endothelial cells and platelets are among the cell types that bind SARS-CoV-2, but the effectors that mediate viral attachment on the cell membrane have not been fully elucidated. Herein, we show that P-selectin (SELP), a biomarker for endothelial dysfunction and platelet activation, can facilitate the attachment of SARS-CoV-2 S1. Since we observe colocalization of SELP with S1 in the lung tissues of COVID-19 patients, we perform molecular biology experiments on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to confirm the intermolecular interaction between SELP and S1. SELP overexpression increases S1 recruitment to HUVECs and enhances SARS-CoV-2 spike pseudovirion infection. The opposite results are determined after SELP downregulation. As S1 causes endothelial inflammatory responses in a dose-dependent manner, by activating the interleukin (IL)-17 signaling pathway, SELP-induced S1 recruitment may contribute to the development of a "cytokine storm" after viral infection. Furthermore, SELP also promotes the attachment of S1 to the platelet membrane. Employment of PSI-697, a small inhibitor of SELP, markedly decreases S1 adhesion to both HUVECs and platelets. In addition to the role of membrane SELP in facilitating S1 attachment, we also discover that soluble SELP is a prognostic factor for severe COVID-19 through a meta-analysis. In this study, we identify SELP as an adhesive site for the SARS-CoV-2 S1, thus providing a potential drug target for COVID-19 treatment.

Perceived Risk for Severe COVID-19 and Oral Antiviral Use Among Antiviral-Eligible US Adults.

Oral antiviral medications are important tools for preventing severe COVID-19 outcomes. However, their uptake remains low for reasons that are not entirely understood. Our study aimed to assess the association between perceived risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes and oral antiviral use among those who were eligible for treatment based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. We surveyed 4034 non-institutionalized US adults in April 2023, and report findings from 934 antiviral-eligible participants with at least one confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection since December 1, 2021 and no current long COVID symptoms. Survey weights were used to yield nationally representative estimates. The primary exposure of interest was whether participants perceived themselves to be "at high risk for severe COVID-19." The primary outcome was use of a COVID-19 oral antiviral within 5days of suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection. Only 18.5% of antiviral-eligible adults considered themselves to be at high risk for severe COVID-19 and 16.8% and 15.9% took oral antivirals at any time or within 5days of SARS-CoV-2 infection, respectively. In contrast, 79.8% were aware of antiviral treatments for COVID-19. Perceived high-risk status was associated with being more likely to be aware (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]: 1.11 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-1.20]), to be prescribed (aPR 1.47 [95% CI 1.08-2.01]), and to take oral antivirals at any time (aPR 1.61 [95% CI 1.16-2.24]) or within 5days of infection (aPR 1.72 [95% CI 1.23-2.40]). Despite widespread awareness of the availability of COVID-19 oral antivirals, more than 80% of eligible US adults did not receive them. Our findings suggest that differences between perceived and actual risk for severe COVID-19 (based on current CDC guidelines) may partially explain this low uptake.

Coagulopathies Related to COVID-19 Infection in Pregnant Woman: A Case Report

Introduction: COVID-19 infection in pregnant women can increase the risk of complications, particularly coagulation disorders and mortality. Case Presentation: We reported a case of a 32-year-old pregnant woman infected with COVID-19. One day after admission for COVID-19 treatment, she underwent a cesarean section (C/S). About 30 hours after the C/S, the patient's hemoglobin levels dramatically dropped. An emergency ultrasound revealed abundant free fluid in the abdomen. Based on the ultrasound findings, the patient underwent a diagnostic laparotomy. During the laparotomy, two liters of blood with clots were found in the abdomen, but the source of the bleeding was inconclusive. Following the laparotomy, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) and received necessary blood products such as packed cells, antihemophilic factor, and fresh frozen plasma (FFP). After five days, the patient was discharged in good general condition. Conclusions: Early diagnosis of bleeding, prompt and skilled interventions, and careful monitoring of recently operated pregnant women with COVID-19 reduce the risk of hemorrhagic shock, maternal complications, and mortality.

Exploring the binding dynamics of covalent inhibitors within active site of PLpro in SARS-CoV-2

In the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 virus, the search for potent medications is paramount. With a focused investigation on the SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro) as a promising therapeutic target due to its pivotal role in viral replication and immune modulation, the catalytic triad of PLpro comprising Cys111, His272, and Asp286, highlights Cys111 as an intriguing nucleophilic center for potential covalent bonds with ligands. The detailed analysis of the binding site unveils crucial interactions with both hydrophobic and polar residues, demonstrating the structural insights of the cavity and deepening our understanding of its molecular landscape. The sequence of PLpro among variants of concern (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron) and the recent variant of interest, JN.1, remains conserved with no mutations at the active site. Moreover, a thorough exploration of apo, non-covalently bound, and covalently bound PLpro conformations exposes significant conformational changes in loop regions, offering invaluable insights into the intricate dynamics of ligand-protein complex formation. Employing strategic in silico medication repurposing, this study swiftly identifies potential molecules for target inhibition. Within the domain of covalent docking studies and molecular dynamics, using reported inhibitors and clinically tested molecules elucidate the formation of stable covalent bonds with the cysteine residue, laying a robust foundation for potential therapeutic applications. These details not only deepen our comprehension of PLpro inhibition but also play a pivotal role in shaping the dynamic landscape of COVID-19 treatment strategies.

The Value of Ursodeoxycholic Acid and Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Severe COVID-19.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in patients with severe COVID-19. Methods: We included severe COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital between December 2022 and June 2023. We used a logistic regression model to compare the use of UDCA and MSCs in the two distinct groups of improved and poor outcomes. It is noteworthy that the deterioration group encompassed instances of both death and abandonment of treatment. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to assess the performance of the model. The aim was to assess the therapeutic effect of UDCA and MSCs on the outcome of severe COVID-19 patients. Results: A total of 167 patients with severe COVID-19 were included in this study. The analysis revealed that out of 42 patients (25.1%), 17 patients (10.2%) had taken UDCA, and 17 patients (10.2%) had used MSCs. Following a multivariable logistic regression, the results indicated a negative association between UDCA treatment (OR = 0.38 (0.16-0.91), p = 0.029), MSCs treatment (OR = 0.21 (0.07-0.65), p = 0.007), and the risk of severe COVID-19 mortality. Additionally, age showed a positive association with the risk of mortality (OR = 1.03 (1.01-1.07), p = 0.025). Conclusions: UDCA and MSCs have shown potential in improving the prognosis of severe COVID-19 patients and could be considered as additional treatments for COVID-19 in the future.

COVID-19 and mental health treatment in primary care: Impacts of a global pandemic on a psychopharmacological collaborative care management program.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on individuals with mental health (MH) disorders and on the delivery of MH services. Studies examining treatment models which did not require substantial changes to the delivery of services during pandemic restrictions, such as collaborative care management (CoCM) programs are minimal. Therefore, a longitudinal retrospective cohort analysis was conducted to examine the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on a psychopharmacological CoCM program. Data was collected on all U.S. Veterans enrolled in a CoCM program at a large VA during the first 10 months of the COVID-19 pandemic and compared to a one-year prior date matched control group. Treatment in the program pre-COVID vs. treatment during the pandemic was compared in relation to baseline symptomatology, improvements in MH symptoms, and program adherence. 462 Veterans were referred during the control dates, compared to 351 during the pandemic. Veterans enrolled during the first four months of each study arm, done to allow for a minimum of 6 months of follow up data, had no differences in baseline symptoms of depression or anxiety. Veterans receiving care during the pandemic had higher rates of program completion than pre-pandemic controls. COVID-era Veterans had higher rates of depression response than controls, and no differences were observed in depression remission, anxiety response, or anxiety remission. Psychopharmacological CoCM treatment models can successfully manage depression and anxiety with no observed decrease in the effectiveness of this intervention even during periods of unprecedented disruptions to the delivery of MH services.