[COVID-19: diagnosis and treatment]

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• COVID-19 presents diverse clinical manifestations requiring standardized management protocols.
• Accurate diagnosis and risk stratification are crucial for effective patient care and resource allocation.
• Evidence-based guidelines are essential for clinicians managing this evolving pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide comprehensive, evidence-based recommendations for the clinical management of COVID-19.
• To outline diagnostic criteria, hospital admission indications, and therapeutic strategies.
• To guide treatment decisions across all stages of COVID-19 disease severity.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of current evidence on COVID-19 diagnosis and management.
• Description of clinical manifestations and diagnostic approaches including PCR, antigen tests, antibody detection, laboratory tests, and imaging (X-ray, CT, ultrasound).
• Formulation of specific therapeutic recommendations for symptomatic, specific (antivirals, immunotherapeutics, anticoagulants), and intensive care.

Main Results:

• Direct diagnostic methods like Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and antigen testing are recommended.
• Hematological, biochemical, and imaging studies aid in diagnosis and severity assessment.
• Therapeutic options include antivirals (remdesivir, favipiravir), immunotherapeutics (monoclonal antibodies, dexamethasone, baricitinib, tocilizumab), and anticoagulants (low-molecular-weight heparin).

Conclusions:

• The guidelines offer a structured approach to COVID-19 management, from diagnosis to treatment.
• Specific recommendations are provided for each disease stage, emphasizing tailored therapy.
• Antibiotic use is reserved for confirmed or suspected bacterial superinfections.