Current treatment challenges in the COVID-19 pandemic

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Pulmonology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has presented significant challenges due to its rapid spread and limited initial therapeutic options.
• Despite over a year of research, understanding and managing COVID-19 continues to evolve, impacting global healthcare systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current management strategies for COVID-19, including oxygen therapy and emerging treatments.
• To highlight key challenges and recent updates in the therapeutic landscape of COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent updates on COVID-19 management and treatment strategies.
• Analysis of current clinical guidelines and ongoing research in the field.

Main Results:

• Asymptomatic/mild cases require symptom-based treatment; inpatients may benefit from antiviral therapy.
• Corticosteroids are indicated for severe disease with respiratory failure; oxygen therapy is crucial for hypoxemia and dyspnea.
• Low-flow oxygen via nasal cannula or mask is first-line; high-flow nasal cannula is used when low-flow fails.

Conclusions:

• Oxygen therapy, from low-flow to high-flow nasal cannulas, is central to managing severe COVID-19.
• Further research is needed to clarify the roles of convalescent plasma, monoclonal antibodies, and optimal anticoagulation timing.