[COVID-19: Do not put the cart before the horse]

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Pharmacology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated extensive drug research to manage the global health crisis.
• Limited therapeutic options showed significant benefits for severe COVID-19 cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the efficacy of various drugs studied for COVID-19 treatment.
• To identify treatments that improve mortality and reduce mechanical ventilation needs in oxygen-dependent patients.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical studies and therapeutic guidelines for COVID-19 management.
• Analysis of drug efficacy data focusing on mortality and mechanical ventilation outcomes.

Main Results:

• Corticosteroids (dexamethasone) and IL-6 antagonists demonstrated benefits in reducing mortality and mechanical ventilation requirements.
• Standard management principles include oxygen therapy, protective mechanical ventilation, prophylactic anticoagulation, and antibiotics for secondary infections.
• Many other investigated drugs have not shown significant benefits and are not recommended.

Conclusions:

• Current evidence supports the use of corticotherapy and IL-6 antagonists for specific COVID-19 patient groups.
• Adherence to established management principles remains crucial for patient care.
• Ongoing research necessitates continuous monitoring of emerging therapeutic evidence.