[COVID-19 - A RECENT REVIEW]

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Virology
• Public Health

Background:

• COVID-19, a novel SARS-like viral disease, emerged in late 2019 in Wuhan, China.
• Characterized by high transmissibility and severe respiratory distress, it rapidly spread globally.
• Early reports indicated ARDS-like symptoms, oxidative disruption, and a high mortality rate, overwhelming healthcare systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical presentation and pathological findings of COVID-19.
• To discuss the challenges and current understanding of treatment strategies for the disease.
• To highlight the enigma surrounding effective therapeutic interventions.

Main Methods:

• Review of initial medical reports and post-mortem findings.
• Analysis of clinical observations from affected regions, including Italy and Spain.
• Examination of emerging treatment protocols and drug trial outcomes.

Main Results:

• COVID-19 presents with severe oxidative disruption and thromboembolic complications, distinct from typical ARDS.
• Myocardial involvement, including myocarditis and heart attacks, has been reported.
• Antiviral treatments like Remdesivir have shown limited success in clinical trials.

Conclusions:

• The primary treatment for COVID-19 relies on comprehensive respiratory, hematologic, nephrologic, and cardiologic support.
• Significant gaps remain in understanding the disease's pathophysiology and developing effective treatments.
• Further research is crucial to unravel the complexities of COVID-19 and identify targeted therapies.