19th Ave New York, NY 95822, USA
8/20/21
COVID-19 rapid guideline: managing COVID-19
Source: NICE
This guideline covers the management of COVID-19 for children, young people and adults in all care settings. It brings together our existing recommendations on managing COVID-19, and new recommendations on...
8/20/21
COVID-19 and the effects on pulmonary function following infection: A retrospective analysis
Source: Lancet
Peer review article This study showed that there is no difference in pulmonary function as measured by function tests before and after COVID-19 infection in non-critically ill classified patients. There...
8/20/21
Inhaled budesonide for COVID-19 in people at high risk of complications in the community in the UK (PRINCIPLE): a randomised, controlled, open-label, adaptive platform trial
Source: Lancet
Peer review article Inhaled budesonide (steroid) improves time to recovery, with a chance of also reducing hospital admissions or deaths (although did not meet the 95% certainty level of proof),...
8/20/21
Awake prone positioning for COVID-19 acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure: a randomised, controlled, multinational, open-label meta-trial
Source: Lancet
Peer revie article Awake prone positioning of patients with hypoxaemic respiratory failure due to COVID-19 reduces the incidence of treatment failure and the need for intubation without any signal of...
8/20/21
Covid-19: UK approves first monoclonal antibody treatment
Source: BMJ
The UK’s drug regulator has approved the first monoclonal antibody (lab-grown antibodies) treatment—Ronapreve, a combination of casirivimab and imdevimab—for the treatment and prevention of acute Covid-19 in adults
8/20/21
Medical Product Alert N°4/2021: Falsified remdesivir
Source: WHO
This WHO Medical Product Alert refers to two batches of falsified remdesivir (antiviral drug) injection 100mg/20ml (5mg/ml)identified in the WHO Region of the Americas and reported to WHO in July...
8/9/21
Further Evidence that Remdesivir Has Limited Benefit for Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19
Source: NEJM
Report on peer review article More than a year into the pandemic, our most efficacious “antiviral” treatment remains monoclonal antibodies(made outside of the body) — and this study further demonstrates...
8/13/21
No proof Mega Oxygen boosts oxygen levels or cures Covid-19, as viral Facebook video claims
Source: Africa check
Claim: A video on Facebook claims that Mega Oxygen, with magnesium peroxide as an ingredient, boosts oxygen levels in the body and heals Covid-19. Medical experts said scientific evidence did...
8/13/21
Beware! Details in viral message about Discovery Health and oxygen tanks for Covid-19 patients misleading and dangerous
Source: Africa check
The WHO recommends that patients with oxygen levels lower than 90% should contact their doctor and go to hospital, not seek treatment at home.
8/13/21
Tofacitinib in Patients Hospitalized with Covid-19 Pneumonia
Source: NEJM
Peer review article Among patients hospitalized with Covid-19 pneumonia, tofacitinib (an arthritis drug) led to a lower risk of death or respiratory failure through day 28 than placebo.
8/13/21
Bamlanivimab plus Etesevimab in Mild or Moderate Covid-19
Source: NEJM
Peer review article Among high-risk walking patients, bamlanivimab (a lab made antibody) plus etesevimab (a lab made antibody) led to a lower incidence of Covid-19–related hospitalization and death than did...
8/13/21
The effect of methotrexate and targeted immunosuppression on humoral and cellular immune responses to the COVID-19 vaccine BNT162b2: a cohort study
Source: Lancet
Peer review article Antibody production after a single dose of BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) is impaired by methotrexate (an immune system suppressant) normal cellular responses are preserved. Antibody development alone might not...
8/13/21
Azithromycin versus standard care in patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 (ATOMIC2): an open-label, randomised trial
Source: Lancet
Peer review article In patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 managed without hospital admission, adding azithromycin (an antibiotic) to standard care treatment did not reduce the risk of subsequent hospital admission or...
8/13/21
Dapagliflozin in patients with cardiometabolic risk factors hospitalised with COVID-19 (DARE-19): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial
Source: Lancet
Peer review article In patients with cardiometabolic risk factors (those which affect their chances of having a heart attack) who were hospitalised with COVID-19, treatment with dapagliflozin (a medicine to...
8/13/21
Doxycycline for community treatment of suspected COVID-19 in people at high risk of adverse outcomes in the UK (PRINCIPLE): a randomised, controlled, open-label, adaptive platform trial
Source: Lancet
Peer review article In patients with suspected COVID-19 in the community in the UK, who were at high risk of adverse outcomes, treatment with doxycycline (an antibiotic) was not associated...
8/13/21
Covid-19: NICE issues guidance on vaccine induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis
Source: BMJ
Patients who are acutely unwell with suspected vaccine induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT) should be referred immediately to the emergency department, says new rapid guidance from the National Institute...
8/13/21
WHO recommends life-saving interleukin-6 receptor blockers for COVID-19 and urges producers to join efforts to rapidly increase access
Source: WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) has updated its patient care guidelines to include interleukin-6 receptor blockers, a class of medicines that are lifesaving in patients who are severely or critically...
8/13/21
The WHO and Angry Birds Friends encourage communities to stay active during COVID-19
Source: WHO
. Over the last year, however, many people are staying home and leading a more sedentary life due to COVID-19. To help raise awareness on the benefits of physical activity...
8/13/21
WHO statement on the clinical trial of CVO+ remedy
Source: WHO Africa
The World Health Organization (WHO) reiterates that there is not yet a specific antiviral treatment whose safety and effectiveness are proven to treat COVID-19. Corticosteroids and medical oxygen remain essential...
8/13/21
Home-based care boosts Nigeria’s COVID-19 fight
Source: WHO Africa
“Home-Based Care (where people with COVID-19 receive care in their own homes) has not only helped to reduce the strain on local government resources, but also to alleviate fear and...
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2101643?query=featured_coronavirus
Tofacitinib in Patients Hospitalized with Covid-19 Pneumonia
Source: 7/29/21
Peer review article Among patients hospitalized with Covid-19 pneumonia, tofacitinib (an arthritis drug) led to a lower risk of death or respiratory failure through day 28 than placebo.
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2102685?query=featured_coronavirus
Bamlanivimab plus Etesevimab in Mild or Moderate Covid-19
Source: 7/14/21
Peer review article Among high-risk walking patients, bamlanivimab (a lab made antibody) plus etesevimab (a lab made antibody) led to a lower incidence of Covid-19–related hospitalization and death than did...
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanrhe/article/PIIS2665-9913(21)00212-5/fulltext
The effect of methotrexate and targeted immunosuppression on humoral and cellular immune responses to the COVID-19 vaccine BNT162b2: a cohort study
Source: 7/8/21
Peer review article Antibody production after a single dose of BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) is impaired by methotrexate (an immune system suppressant) normal cellular responses are preserved. Antibody development alone might not...
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanres/article/PIIS2213-2600(21)00263-0/fulltext
Azithromycin versus standard care in patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 (ATOMIC2): an open-label, randomised trial
Source: 7/9/21
Peer review article In patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 managed without hospital admission, adding azithromycin (an antibiotic) to standard care treatment did not reduce the risk of subsequent hospital admission or...
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(21)00180-7/fulltext
Dapagliflozin in patients with cardiometabolic risk factors hospitalised with COVID-19 (DARE-19): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial
Source: 7/21/21
Peer review article In patients with cardiometabolic risk factors (those which affect their chances of having a heart attack) who were hospitalised with COVID-19, treatment with dapagliflozin (a medicine to...
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanres/article/PIIS2213-2600(21)00310-6/fulltext
Doxycycline for community treatment of suspected COVID-19 in people at high risk of adverse outcomes in the UK (PRINCIPLE): a randomised, controlled, open-label, adaptive platform trial
Source: 7/27/21
Peer review article In patients with suspected COVID-19 in the community in the UK, who were at high risk of adverse outcomes, treatment with doxycycline (an antibiotic) was not associated...
https://www.bmj.com/content/374/bmj.n1914
Covid-19: NICE issues guidance on vaccine induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis
Source: 7/29/21
Patients who are acutely unwell with suspected vaccine induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT) should be referred immediately to the emergency department, says new rapid guidance from the National Institute...
https://www.who.int/news/item/06-07-2021-who-recommends-life-saving-interleukin-6-receptor-blockers-for-covid-19-and-urges-producers-to-join-efforts-to-rapidly-increase-access
WHO recommends life-saving interleukin-6 receptor blockers for COVID-19 and urges producers to join efforts to rapidly increase access
Source: 7/6/21
The World Health Organization (WHO) has updated its patient care guidelines to include interleukin-6 receptor blockers, a class of medicines that are lifesaving in patients who are severely or critically...
https://www.who.int/news/item/26-07-2021-the-who-and-angry-birds-friends-encourage-communities-to-stay-active-during-covid-19
The WHO and Angry Birds Friends encourage communities to stay active during COVID-19
Source: 7/26/21
. Over the last year, however, many people are staying home and leading a more sedentary life due to COVID-19. To help raise awareness on the benefits of physical activity...
https://www.afro.who.int/news/who-statement-clinical-trial-cvo-remedy
WHO statement on the clinical trial of CVO+ remedy
Source: 7/5/21
The World Health Organization (WHO) reiterates that there is not yet a specific antiviral treatment whose safety and effectiveness are proven to treat COVID-19. Corticosteroids and medical oxygen remain essential...
https://www.afro.who.int/news/home-based-care-boosts-nigerias-covid-19-fight
Home-based care boosts Nigeria’s COVID-19 fight
Source: 7/15/21
“Home-Based Care (where people with COVID-19 receive care in their own homes) has not only helped to reduce the strain on local government resources, but also to alleviate fear and...
https://www.jwatch.org/na53830/2021/08/03/further-evidence-remdesivir-has-limited-benefit-patients
Further Evidence that Remdesivir Has Limited Benefit for Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19
Source: 8/3/21
Report on peer review article More than a year into the pandemic, our most efficacious “antiviral” treatment remains monoclonal antibodies(made outside of the body) — and this study further demonstrates...
6/27/21
Hydroxychloroquine study not all that it seems
Source: Fullfact
Claim: A new study shows hydroxychloroquine can increase Covid-19 survival rates by 200%. Verdict: False. This very small study has not been peer-reviewed and it does not show that hydroxychloroquine...
6/27/21
Therapeutic Doses of Anticoagulation Did Not Benefit Patients with COVID-19 and Elevated D-Dimer Levels
Source: NEJM
Based on this well-designed study in patients with elevated D-dimer levels, there is no indication for using therapeutic anticoagulation dosing for clotting event preventative measures in patients with COVID-19.
6/27/21
Vaccine effectiveness of the first dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and BNT162b2 against SARS-CoV-2 infection in residents of long-term care facilities in England (VIVALDI): a prospective cohort study
Source: Lancet
Single-dose vaccination with Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines provide substantial protection against infection in older adults from 4–7 weeks after vaccination and might reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
6/27/21
Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Suicidal Ideation Among State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Public Health Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, March–April 2021
Source: US CDC
Implementing prevention and control practices that eliminate, reduce, and manage factors that cause or contribute to public health workers’ poor mental health might improve mental health outcomes during emergencies.
6/27/21
Africa CDC and the Ministry of Public Health strengthen the capacities of Cameroonian clinicians in COVID-19 case management
Source: Africa CDC
Building the capacity of health workers in case management is one of the factors that will help minimize deaths and complications from COVID-19.
6/9/21
Adjunct Immune Globulin for Vaccine-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia
Source: NEJM
The use of high-dose intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) plus anticoagulation is recommended for the treatment of vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), a rare side effect of adenoviral vector vaccines against...
6/12/21
Anticoagulation in COVID-19: reaction to the ACTION trial
Source: Lancet
In these primarily stable hospitalised patients, therapeutic dose rivaroxaban in hospital with post-discharge treatment up to 30 days conferred no additional benefit when compared with in-hospital prophylactic-dose heparin.
6/11/21
Discontinuation versus continuation of renin-angiotensin-system inhibitors in COVID-19 (ACEI-COVID): a prospective, parallel group, randomised, controlled, open-label trial
Source: Lancet
Discontinuation of RAS-inhibition (renin-angiotensin-system inhibitor - a protein that helps regulate the concentration of blood) in COVID-19 had no significant effect on the maximum severity of COVID-19 but may lead...
6/8/21
Covid-19: Aspirin does not improve survival for patients admitted to hospital, trial reports
Source: BMJ
Aspirin does not improve survival for patients in hospital with Covid-19, the UK Recovery trial1 has reported.
6/8/21
Clinical Care for Specific Patient Types in context of COVID-19
Source: US CDC
An update on guidance for children, newborns, pregnant or breastfeeding patients and links to family planning advice and advice for people with underlying medical conditions.
6/7/21
Blood donation during Covid-19 Pandemic
Source: WHO
During the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, UBTS experienced a shortage of blood supplies and had to use innovative ways of mobilizing blood donors.
6/9/21
Adjunct Immune Globulin for Vaccine-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia
Source: NEJM
The use of high-dose intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) plus anticoagulation is recommended for the treatment of vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), a rare side effect of adenoviral vector vaccines against...
6/12/21
Anticoagulation in COVID-19: reaction to the ACTION trial
Source: Lancet
In these primarily stable hospitalised patients, therapeutic dose rivaroxaban in hospital with post-discharge treatment up to 30 days conferred no additional benefit when compared with in-hospital prophylactic-dose heparin.
6/11/21
Discontinuation versus continuation of renin-angiotensin-system inhibitors in COVID-19 (ACEI-COVID): a prospective, parallel group, randomised, controlled, open-label trial
Source: Lancet
Discontinuation of RAS-inhibition (renin-angiotensin-system inhibitor - a protein that helps regulate the concentration of blood) in COVID-19 had no significant effect on the maximum severity of COVID-19 but may lead...
6/8/21
Covid-19: Aspirin does not improve survival for patients admitted to hospital, trial reports
Source: BMJ
Aspirin does not improve survival for patients in hospital with Covid-19, the UK Recovery trial1 has reported.
6/8/21
Clinical Care for Specific Patient Types in context of COVID-19
Source: US CDC
An update on guidance for children, newborns, pregnant or breastfeeding patients and links to family planning advice and advice for people with underlying medical conditions.
6/7/21
Blood donation during Covid-19 Pandemic
Source: WHO
During the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, UBTS experienced a shortage of blood supplies and had to use innovative ways of mobilizing blood donors.
6/6/21
Is Methylprednisolone Better than Dexamethasone for Severe COVID-19?
Source: NEJM
We're now seeing fewer and fewer patients admitted with severe COVID-19, but some patients with the severe disease still could benefit from this adjusted approach to steroid therapy.
6/6/21
In a Large Randomized Trial, Convalescent Plasma Strikes Out
Source: NEJM
As this large, randomized trial does not demonstrate a survival benefit of using blood plasma from patients who have recovered from COVID-19 in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, the findings should...
6/6/21
COVID-19 rapid guideline: managing COVID-19
Source: NICE
On 3 June 2021, they added new recommendations on azithromycin (an antibiotic) to treat COVID-19. Do not use this drug on COVID-19 patients.
6/6/21
Convalescent plasma transfusion for pregnant patients with COVID-19
Source: Lancet
This report suggests that pregnant women with no detectable anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies are potential candidates for treatment with convalescent plasma with high antibody titres in an early stage of the disease,
6/6/21
Low-value medical care in the pandemic—is this what the doctor ordered?
Source: Lancet
There is an urgent need for democratising evidence-informed medicine in India. Clinical guidelines should be based on evidence, responsive to local resources, and include a broad range of stakeholders, including...
6/6/21
Repurposing drugs for treatment of COVID-19
Source: Lancet
A central data repository called the CORONA Project was launched in early 2020 to track all treatments that have been used for Covid-19.
6/6/21
Therapeutic versus prophylactic anticoagulation for patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 and elevated D-dimer concentration (ACTION): an open-label, multicentre, randomised, controlled trial
Source: Lancet
Use of therapeutic-dose rivaroxaban, and other direct oral anticoagulants, should be avoided in patients in the absence of an evidence-based reason to prescribe oral anti-clotting drugs.
5/30/21
There’s no proof that hydroxychloroquine or ivermectin caused a drop in cases in India
Source:
The post was flagged as part of Facebook’s efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. Bothy drugs have been repeatedly tested and have been found to...
5/30/21
COVID-19 rapid guideline: managing COVID-1
Source: NICE
This guideline brings together NICE's existing recommendations on managing COVID-19, and new recommendations on therapeutics, so that healthcare staff and those planning and delivering services can find and use them...
5/30/21
Colchicine for community-treated patients with COVID-19 (COLCORONA): a phase 3, randomised, double-blinded, adaptive, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial
Source: Lancet
Given the absence of orally administered therapies to prevent COVID-19 complications in community-treated patients and the benefit of colchicine in patients with PCR-proven COVID-19, this safe and inexpensive anti-inflammatory agent...
5/30/21
Laboratory trends, hyperinflammation, and clinical outcomes for patients with a systemic rheumatic disease admitted to hospital for COVID-19: a retrospective, comparative cohort study
Source: Lancet
Patients with a systemic rheumatic disease who were admitted to the hospital for COVID-19 had increased risk for hyper inflammation, kidney injury, admission to IC, and mechanical ventilation compared with...
5/23/21
Freedom March video littered with false claims about Covid-19 cures
Source: Full Fact
Claim:: Vitamin D, Ivermectin, zinc and hydroxychloroquine are safe and effective treatments for Covid-19. Verdict: There is no robust evidence yet that any of these can treat or prevent Covid
5/23/21
PF4 Immunoassays in Vaccine-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia
Source: NEJM
An algorithm for the management of this syndrome was proposed on the basis of immunoassays detecting anti–PF4–heparin antibodies - which in turn could predict the clottiong events.
5/23/21
COVID-19 rapid evidence summary: Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for people with or at risk of COVID-19
Source: NICE
There is no evidence to suggest that people taking NSAIDs for a long-term condition should be advised to stop treatment in the context of COVID‑19.
5/23/21
COVID 19 rapid evidence summary: Anakinra for COVID-19 associated secondary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Source: NICE
At this time, policy decisions on whether anakinra (arthritis drug) should be used for treating COVID-19 associated inflamatory conditions will need to consider data extrapolated from studies assessing anakinra for...
5/23/21
COVID-19 rapid evidence summary: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in people with or at risk of COVID-19
Source: NICE
Conclusions cannot be drawn on whether ACEIs (drugs involved in contracting blood vessels) or ARBs (drugs that reduce blood pressure) increase the risk of developing COVID-19 or developing more severe...
5/23/21
Immunotherapy in COVID-19: why, who, and when?
Source: Lancet
Unsurprisingly, given human genetic variation and the burgeoning genetic variance of the virus itself, evidence for the efficacy of many interventions is unclear.
16-05-2021
Viral video spreads misinformation about ethylene oxide and Ivermectin
Source: Full Fact
Overexposure to ethylene oxide itself can cause health problems such as cancer, but there is no suggestion that using something that has been sterilised by ethylene oxide is harmful.
16-05-2021
Honey, ginger and pepper isn’t approved treatment for Covid-19
Source: Full Fact
WHAT WAS CLAIMED: Honey, pepper and ginger can ‘100%’ eliminate the effect of Covid-19 and has been approved by the WHO.
16-05-2021
Largest Randomized Tocilizumab Trial Shows Mortality Reduction
Source: NEJM
Report on peer review article These latest results support the use of tocilizumab in combination with dexamethasone in recently hospitalized patients with progressive COVID-19.
16-05-2021
Inhaled budesonide for early treatment of COVID-19
Source: The Lancet
The use of inhaled anti inflamitary treatment (corticosteroid) might be associated with poor outcomes among people being treated for COVID-19 in hospital.
16-05-2021
Convalescent plasma in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 (RECOVERY): a randomised controlled, open-label, platform tria
Source: The Lancet
Peer review article: In patients hospitalised with COVID-19, plasma taken from people who had recovered from COVID-19 did not improve survival or other prespecified clinical outcomes.
16-05-2021
Cytokine adsorption during ECMO for COVID-19-related ARDS
Source: The Lancet
Report on peer review article: The study highlights the potential risks of cytokine adsorption (proteins being made by cells and entering other cell to communicate) in patients receiving oxygen therapy...
16-05-2021
Convalescent plasma in patients hospitalised with COVID-19
Source: The Lancet
Opinion piece: Following initial reports, a series of peer-reviewed randomised trials did not confirm the positive findings
16-05-2021
Use of repurposed and adjuvant drugs in hospital patients with covid-19: multinational network cohort study
Source: BMJ
Peer review article: Hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, lopinavir-ritonavir, and umifenovir were the most prescribed repurposed drugs. Antithrombotics, antibiotics, H2 receptor antagonists) , and corticosteroids were often used as supplemental treatments.
2/9/21
Tocilizumab in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 (RECOVERY): a randomised, controlled, open-label, platform trial
Source: The Lancet
In hospitalised COVID-19 patients suffering from lack of oxygen to body tissues and systemic inflammation, tocilizumab (a drug mainly used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis) improved survival and other...
2/9/21
3-month, 6-month, 9-month, and 12-month respiratory outcomes in patients following COVID-19-related hospitalisation: a prospective study
Source: The Lancet
Findings highlight the importance of respiratory follow-up of patients with COVID-19, and that studies to mitigate the long-term consequences of COVID-19 pneumonia, including pulmonary rehabilitation as well as novel therapeutic...
2/9/21
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and outcomes of COVID-19 in the ISARIC Clinical Characterisation Protocol UK cohort: a matched, prospective cohort study
Source: The Lancet
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) use is not associated with higher mortality or increased severity of COVID-19. Policymakers should consider reviewing issued advice around NSAID prescribing and COVID-19 severity.
5/2/21
The Berlin definition of acute respiratory distress syndrome: should patients receiving high-flow nasal oxygen be included?
Source: The Lancet
Since 2015, high-flow nasal oxygen has become widely used as effective therapeutic support for acute respiratory failure, most recently in patients with severe COVID-19.
5/2/21
Interleukin-6 receptor blockade in patients with COVID-19: placing clinical trials into context
Source: The Lancet
Timing from clinical presentation to treatment, severity of illness, and concomitant use of corticosteroids are among the factors that might have contributed to apparently inconsistent results.
5/2/21
COVID-19 in patients with rheumatic disease: finally, a denominator
Source: The Lancet
The timing of therapy in COVID-19 is undoubtedly crucial, but outstanding questions include whether certain therapies for rheumatic disease, such as interleukin-6 and Janus kinase 1 inhibition should be used...
5/2/21
Tocilizumab in COVID-19: some clarity amid controversy
Source: The Lancet
Preliminary reports were followed by large observational studies in critically ill patients with COVID-19, which suggested a mortality benefit (difference in mortality between treated and untreated patients) with tocilizumab.
5/2/21
Tocilizumab in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 (RECOVERY): a randomised, controlled, open-label, platform trial
Source: The Lancet
In hospitalised COVID-19 patients with hypoxia (oxygen deprivation to body tissues) and systemic inflammation, tocilizumab (a drug commonly used for arthritis) improved survival and other clinical outcomes. These benefits were...
5/2/21
Covid-19: Countries rally to support India through “storm that has shaken the nation”
Source: BMJ
Countries have pledged to help India as the country continues to see an exponential rise in COVID-19 cases and deaths, with hospitals running out of oxygen, drugs, and beds.
5/2/21
Covid-19: Heavy use of oxygen brings new danger to world’s hospitals
Source: BMJ
A total of 82 people were left dead and 110 injured from a hospital fire on 24 April in Baghdad, Iraq, which began with an explosion caused by a fault...
4/25/21
COVID-19: Reinfection Risk / Bamlanivimab Authorization Revoked
Source: NEJM
A study in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine helps characterize the risk for SARS-CoV-2 reinfection in a close contact setting.
4/25/21
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation network organisation and clinical outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Greater Paris, France: a multicentre cohort study
Source: Lancet
Early reports from China on the use of ECMO in COVID-19-associated ARDS indicated unfavourable outcomes.
4/18/21
COVID-19: Antibody Duo Helps Prevent Infection / B.1.1.7 Variant Not Linked to More Severe Disease
Source: NEJM
Regeneron's casirivimab-imdevimab monoclonal antibody combination cut the risk for symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in household contacts of COVID-19 patients by 81%.
4/18/21
Prophylaxis Against Venous Thromboembolism in ICU Patients with COVID-19
Source: NEJM
This evidence — along with other interim trial data suggesting probable harm from therapeutic anticoagulation (a means of preventing blood clots) in severely ill patients with COVID-19 — should lead...
4/18/21
Report on peer review article
Source: The Lancet
Earlier studies in vitro and in mice demonstrated a broad potent antiviral effect of niclosamide against SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses.
4/18/21
Effects of a multi-faceted education and support programme on anxiety symptoms among people with systemic sclerosis and anxiety during COVID-19 (SPIN-CHAT): a two-arm parallel, partially nested, randomised, controlled trial
Source: The Lancet
The intervention (Scleroderma Patient-centred Intervention Network COVID-19 Home-isolation Activities Together (SPIN-CHAT) Program) did not significantly improve anxiety symptoms or other mental health outcomes post-intervention. However, anxiety and depression symptoms were...
4/18/21
Covid-19: Budesonide shortens recovery time in patients not admitted to hospital, study finds
Source: BMJ
Inhaled budesonide, a common corticosteroid used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, can shorten the time it takes for people not admitted to hospital to recover from COVID-19...
14/02/2021
COVID-19: Double-Masking / Bamlanivimab-Etesevimab EUA / Ventilator Splitter Recommendations / Remdesivir Guidance
Source: NEJM
Discussion of research articles The Annals of Internal Medicine have further reduced their advice on using Remdesivir as a treatment for COVID-19. The FDA has granted an emergency use authorization...
14/02/2021
Oxygen supplies and COVID-19 mortality in Africa
Source: The Lancet
Opinion piece Medical oxygen is becoming a critical need as the second wave of COVID-19 unfolds in Africa and health-care systems risk becoming overwhelmed with patients, the Africa Centres for...
14/02/2021
A simple nomogram for predicting failure of non-invasive respiratory strategies in adults with COVID-19: a retrospective multicentre study
Source: The Lancet
Research article By identifying patients at risk of NIRS (Non-invasive respiratory strategies) failure, clinicians could ascertain those who might benefit from early monitoring and early interventions. However, any benefits from...
14/02/2021
Early initiation of prophylactic anticoagulation for prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 mortality in patients admitted to hospital in the United States: cohort study
Source: BMJ
Peer Reviewed paper Early initiation of prophylactic anticoagulation (drugs that help to stop blood from clotting) compared with no anticoagulation among patients admitted to hospital with Covid-19 was associated with...
21/02/2021
COVID-19: Eye Abnormalities / Pulse Oximetry Accuracy & Skin Pigmentation
Source: NEJM
Comment on pre-release Researchers studied nearly 130 patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19 who had undergone brain MRI. Some 7% of patients had one or more nodules in the light receptor...
21/02/2021
Tuberculosis preventive therapy for children and adolescents: an emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Source: The Lancet
COVID-19, the clinical syndrome caused by SARS-CoV-2, has caused a tremendous burden of global morbidity and mortality. COVID-19 is predicted to have a devastating impact on other global infections, most...
21/02/2021
Prophylactic anticoagulation for patients in hospital with covid-19
Source: BMJ
Report on research article Recent retrospective data showing low rates of hospital associated internal bleeding post-discharge are reassuring, Randomised trials formally evaluating the need for extended blood clot prevention are...
21/02/2021
Interim Clinical Guidance for Management of Patients with Confirmed Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
Source: US CDC
This document provides guidance on caring for patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19
21/02/2021
G7 leaders commit US$ 4.3 billion to finance global equitable access to tests, treatments and vaccines in 2021
Source: WHO
Commitments made at today’s Virtual G7 leaders meeting hosted by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and at the Munich Security Conference later in the day, signalled significant progress in the...
7/3/21
The link between vitamin D and Covid-19 is complex
Source: FullFact
Claim: The death rate in Andalucía almost halved between November and December following the introduction of their vitamin D policy. Verdict: The death rate in Andalucía did drop, but numbers...
7/3/21
WHO Recommends Against Hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 Prevention
Source: NEJM
Report on peer review article The WHO recommendation against Hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 prevention, published in The BMJ, is based on a meta-analysis of six randomized trials comprising over 6000 people...
7/3/21
COVID-19: Ivermectin & Mild Illness / Seroprevalence in Children / Conjunctival Swabs? / Cardiac Screening in Pro Athletes
Source: NEJM
Report on the ineffectiveness of using the drug Ivermectin to treat mild COVID-19 symptoms. Review of the effects of the virus causing cardiological issues after infection in 4% of those...
7/3/21
Camostat mesylate inhibits SARS-CoV-2 activation by TMPRSS2-related proteases and its metabolite GBPA exerts antiviral activity
Source: The Lancet
Peer review article Research results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 can use TMPRSS2 (a protein normally found in the membrane of human cells) and closely related proteases for spread in the upper...
7/3/21
Sarilumab in patients admitted to hospital with severe or critical COVID-19: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial
Source: The Lancet
Peer review article This trial did not show efficacy of sarilumab in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 and receiving supplemental oxygen. Adequately powered trials of targeted immunomodulatory therapies assessing...
7/3/21
Tocilizumab plus standard care versus standard care in patients in India with moderate to severe COVID-19-associated cytokine release syndrome (COVINTOC)
Source: The Lancet
Peer review article Routine use of tocilizumab in patients admitted to hospital with moderate to severe COVID-19 is not supported. However, post-hoc evidence from this study suggests tocilizumab might still...
7/3/21
Interferon antagonism by SARS-CoV-2: a functional study using reverse genetics
Source: The Lancet
Peer review article The SARS-CoV-2 viruses share a set of proteins and use the same cellular entry receptor, but their transmission efficiencies and pathogenetic traits differ. This study looks at...
7/3/21
Azithromycin for community treatment of suspected COVID-19 in people at increased risk of an adverse clinical course in the UK (PRINCIPLE): a randomised, controlled, open-label, adaptive platform trial
Source: The Lancet
Peer reviewed article Taken together, the findings plus the evidence to date suggest that azithromycin is not a sufficiently effective treatment to justify routine use for treatment of COVID-19, neither...
7/3/21
IL-6 blockade for COVID-19: a global scientific call to arms
Source: The Lancet
Opinion piece Accepting that IL-6 blockade reduces mortality in patients the question will inevitably become which populations are most likely to benefit. The absolute risk reduction (and corresponding number needed...
7/3/21
COVID-19 and inhaled corticosteroids—another piece in an expanding puzzle
Source: The Lancet
Opinion piece The role of inhaled corticosteroids in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 has been widely discussed since the start of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, when initial descriptions of patients...
7/3/21
Clinical Questions about COVID-19: Questions and Answers
Source: US CDC
Updated: Clinical Questions about COVID-19 - Questions and Answers.
7/3/21
Toolkit for Pregnant People and New Parents
Source: US CDC
Resources and tools to help pregnant people, breastfeeding people and new parents caring for infants to protect their health and help people who serve these communities communicate with them.
7/3/21
World Pharmacopoeias support public health during COVID-19 pandemic
Source: WHO
A pharmacopoeia is a legally-binding collection of standards and quality specifications for medical products. The WHO organizes official meetings entitled International Meeting of World Pharmacopoeias for participation of all WHO...
14/03/2021
COVID-19: Higher Mortality with B.1.1.7 Variant / Acute Kidney Injury / Bamlanivimab + Etesevimab
Source: NEJM
Report on peer review article A study on the increased risk to patients already suffering from kidney disease, the higher mortality rates caused by the B1.1.7 variant and the effective...
14/03/2021
Initiate Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis Early for Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19
Source: NEJM
Report on peer review article Although thromboses occur frequently in patients with COVID-19, and guidelines recommend pharmacologic prophylaxis, ongoing clinical trials will help determine the most appropriate anticoagulation dosing, as...
14/03/2021
Tocilizumab for Management of COVID-19: Finally (Some) Clarity
Source: NEJM
Report on peer pre release article Of all the medical interventions considered for management of severe or critical COVID-19, tocilizumab has been one of the most disputed. This agent seems...
14/03/2021
Interleukin-1 and interleukin-6 inhibition in patients with COVID-19 and hyperinflammation
Source: The Lancet
Report on peer reviewed article This article compares the clinical effectiveness of IL-1 inhibition (anakinra) and IL-6 inhibition (tocilizumab or sarilumab) with standard treatment in a large homogeneous cohort of...
14/03/2021
Alternatives to conventional hospitalisation that enhance health systems’ capacity to treat COVID-19
Source: The Lancet
Opinion piece The deployment of alternative outpatient models in a specific setting should be planned and evaluated; therefore, further information on the cost-effectiveness of these models is warranted, as it...
14/03/2021
Enoxaparin is associated with lower rates of mortality than unfractionated Heparin in hospitalized COVID-19 patients
Source: The Lancet
Peer review article Although anticoagulants such as unfractionated Heparin and Enoxaparin are both being used for therapeutic mitigation of COVID associated coagulopathy (CAC), differences in their clinical outcomes remain to...
14/03/2021
Severe COVID-19 pneumonia: pathogenesis and clinical management
Source: BMJ
Peer reviewed article Dexamethasone treatment improves mortality for the treatment of severe and critical COVID-19, while remdesivir may have modest benefit in time to recovery in patients with severe disease...
21/03/2021
Mavrilimumab in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia and systemic hyperinflammation (MASH-COVID): an investigator initiated, multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial
Source: Lancet
Peer review article A small study concluded there was no significant difference in the proportion of patients alive and off oxygen therapy at day 14 whether they took mavrilimumab, although...
21/03/2021
Malnutrition risk in hospitalised COVID-19 patients receiving CPAP
Source: Lancet
Report on peer reviewed article It is recommended that health-care professionals with expertise in nutrition, especially dietitians, nutrition nurses, physicians, and pharmacists, should be engaged in the assessment and care...
21/03/2021
What is my COVID risk?
Source: BMJ
An article aimed at doctors with an aim to consider an individual's risk from COVID-19 in two parts; the risk of catching it and the risk of poor outcome if...
28/03/2021
COVID-19 rapid guideline: managing COVID-19
Source: NICE
This guideline covers the management of COVID-19 for children, young people and adults in all care settings. It brings together our existing recommendations on managing COVID-19 so that healthcare staff...
28/03/2021
Convalescent plasma from people vaccinated after COVID-19 infection
Source: The Lancet
Opinion piece Plasma collected from previously infected people to passively transfer antibodies to protect or treat humans (convalescent plasma), has been successfully used since the late 19th century to treat...
28/03/2021
COVID-19 outcomes in patients with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases treated with rituximab: a cohort study
Source: The Lancet
Peer review article Rituximab therapy is associated with more severe COVID-19. Rituximab will have to be prescribed with particular caution in patients with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.
28/03/2021
Type 1 diabetes and recovered from COVID-19 symptoms: Khadija’s story
Source: WHO
A personal account about the effects of COVID-19 on a type-1 diabetes sufferer.
4/4/21
Prophylaxis Against Venous Thromboembolism in ICU Patients with COVID-19
Source: NEJM
Report on peer reviewed article With the high frequency of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with COVID-19, it would make sense that higher-dose VTE prophylaxis would lead to better outcomes;...
4/4/21
Outcomes of COVID-19 in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Source: NEJM
Report on peer reviewed article In addition to the risk factors for COVID-19 severity seen for the general population, MS disability level is also a substantial factor.
4/4/21
COVID-19 rapid guideline: rheumatological autoimmune, inflammatory and metabolic bone disorders
Source: NICE
The purpose of this guideline is to maximise the safety of children and adults with rheumatological autoimmune, inflammatory and metabolic bone disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic, while protecting staff from...
4/4/21
The role of antirheumatics in patients with COVID-19
Source: The Lancet
Peer review article Evidence on the use of other anti-rheumatic drugs, including C5a inhibitors and intravenous immunoglobulin, suggest some potential benefit, but large adequately powered clinical trials are urgently needed....
4/4/21
Association between pre-existing respiratory disease and its treatment, and severe COVID-19: a population cohort study
Source: The Lancet
Peer review article The risk of severe COVID-19 in people with asthma is relatively small. People with COPD and interstitial lung disease appear to have a modestly increased risk of...
4/4/21
Guidance for the design and reporting of studies evaluating the clinical performance of tests for present or past SARS-CoV-2 infection
Source: BMJ
More than 1700 preprints and peer reviewed journal articles evaluating tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection have been published as of January 2021. However, evaluations of these studies have identified many methodological...
4/4/21
A living WHO guideline on drugs for covid-19
Source: BMJ
This is the fourth version (update 3) of the living guideline which provides the latest scientific advice covering drugs treatments for COVID-19. .
4/4/21
Drug treatments for covid-19: living systematic review and network meta-analysis
Source: BMJ
Meta-analysis of peer review articles on drugs treatments for COVID-19.
4/4/21
World leaders call for urgent action on adolescent wellbeing
Source: BMJ
Governments and health leaders across the world have published a rallying cry for urgent global action to improve adolescent wellbeing. They highlight that even before covid-19 adolescents and young adults...
4/4/21
Science Brief: Evidence used to update the list of underlying medical conditions that increase a person’s risk of severe illness from COVID-19
Source: US CDC
Updates to the list of underlying medical conditions that put adults of any age at high risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19 were based on evidence...
4/4/21
WHO Director-General and global faith leaders high-level dialogue on COVID-19
Source: WHO
In addition to discussion around vaccine access, equity and acceptance the senior religious leaders shared with Dr. Tedros their collective experiences, including: Efforts to bridge the gap between science and...
4/4/21
WHO advises that ivermectin only be used to treat COVID-19 within clinical trials
Source: WHO
The current evidence on the use of ivermectin to treat COVID-19 patients is inconclusive. Until more data is available, WHO recommends that the drug only be used within clinical trials....
4/4/21
Living with the Times: new toolkit helps older adults maintain good mental health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: WHO
The “Living with the Times” toolkit contains illustrated posters with key messages for older adults on how to maintain their well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, while supporting those around them....
4/4/21
South Sudan: African Development Bank and WHO enhance COVID-19 case management
Source: WHO Africa
The African Development Bank and WHO have delivered essential medical supplies, including intensive care unit (ICU) beds, medicines, lifesaving biomedical equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) to South Sudan’s Ministry...
11/4/21
VTE Risk in Outpatients with COVID-19
Source: NEJM
Report on peer review article This study suggests that outpatients with COVID-19 do not have excess venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk and argues against routine pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis for outpatients with...
11/4/21
Preparing for the Future — Nanobodies for Covid-19?
Source: NEJM
Researchers immunized alpacas and llamas with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein and identified nanobodies that specifically bind to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the virus...
11/4/21
COVID-19 rapid guideline: gastrointestinal and liver conditions treated with drugs affecting the immune response
Source: NICE
The purpose of this guideline is to maximise the safety of children and adults who have gastrointestinal or liver conditions treated with drugs affecting the immune response during the COVID...
11/4/21
COVID-19 rapid guideline: dermatological conditions treated with drugs affecting the immune response
Source: NICE
The purpose of this guideline is to maximise the safety of children and adults who have dermatological conditions treated with drugs affecting the immune response during the COVID-19 pandemic.
11/4/21
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 1 trial of inhaled and intranasal niclosamide: A broad spectrum antiviral candidate for treatment of COVID-19
Source: The Lancet
Peer review article A formulation of niclosamide, a potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 agent and a broad-spectrum antiviral treatment candidate, optimized for inhalation and intranasal administration (UNI91104) was developed. UNI91104, a promising candidate...
11/4/21
Inhaled budesonide in the treatment of early COVID-19 (STOIC): a phase 2, open-label, randomised controlled trial
Source: The Lancet
Peer review article Early administration of inhaled budesonide reduced the likelihood of needing urgent medical care and reduced time to recovery after early COVID-19.
11/4/21
Early treatment with inhaled budesonide to prevent clinical deterioration in patients with COVID-19
Source: The Lancet
Report on peer review article Ongoing randomised clinical trials using other inhaled corticosteroids or exploring the effects of budesonide in more severe (hospitalised) COVID-19 patients continue. Observations that clinical recovery...
13/01/2021
How to treat coronavirus symptoms at home
Source: NHS
This summarises how people can ease symptoms of COVID-19 at home. For a fever, one should rest and drink plenty of fluids, and one may take paracetamol or ibuprofen. For...
13/01/2021
Inactivated trivalent influenza vaccination is associated with lower mortality among patients with COVID-19 in Brazil
Source: BMJ
A study in Brazil of over 50000 patients hospitalised with COVID-19 found that patients who had received inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine in 2020 had significantly higher chances of surviving and...
13/01/2021
COVID-19 rapid guideline: vitamin D
Source: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
Low vitamin D status has been associated with more severe COVID-19 outcomes, however there is not enough evidence to say that more severe COVID-19 outcomes have been caused by low...
13/01/2021
Vitamin D and COVID-19: why the controversy?
Source: The Lancet
There is a lot of debate on whether vitamin D supplements have an effect on respiratory tract infections in general and more recently on COVID-19. Results from trials pre-pandemic vary....
13/01/2021
Emerging treatments
Source: BMJ
This is a chapter in a large document giving an overview of COVID-19. This section describes many emerging treatments. This summary highlights selected potential treatments listed in the article: -...
13/01/2021
Potential treatments
Source: CDC
The FDA has approved remdesivir to treat COVID-19 and has issued emergency use authorisations (EUAs) for certain other drugs for the treatment of COVID-19. People who test positive for COVID-19...
13/01/2021
Drug treatments for covid-19: living systematic review and network meta-analysis
Source: BMJ
This is a living review of current evidence for COVID-19 treatments and is therefore updated regularly with new data. Since it was first published in July 2020, it has been...
13/01/2021
Covid-19: What now for remdesivir?
Source: BMJ
Remdesivir is an antiviral which was developed in a collaboration between Gilead Sciences, a biopharmaceutical company, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and US Army Medical...
13/01/2021
Interim Position Statement: Interleukin-6 inhibitors (tocilizumab or sarilumab) for patients admitted to ICU with COVID-19 pneumonia (adults)
Source: NHS
Patients may be considered for treatment with tocilizumab or sarilumab if they are infected with COVID-19 and admitted into intensive care and require respiratory support. There are several criteria for...
13/01/2021
Covid-19: FDA authorises neutralising antibody bamlanivimab for non-admitted patients
Source: BMJ
The US Food and Drug Administration has issued an Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) for the use of bamlanivimab to treat patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Clinical trials have shown that bamlanivimab...
13/01/2021
Vaccines and treatment of COVID-19
Source: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)
This article summarises some of the main pharmaceuticals emerging as potential treatment or prophylaxis and is updated as new information arrives. In many cases, trials are ongoing: - Dexamethasone: studies...
13/01/2021
Lopinavir–ritonavir in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 (RECOVERY): a randomised, controlled, open-label, platform trial
Source: The Lancet
A trial on 5040 hospitalised COVID-19 patients found that treatment with lopinavir–ritonavir did not lead to reduced mortality, nor did it affect length of hospitalisation or progression of the disease.
13/01/2021
Baricitinib plus Remdesivir for Hospitalized Adults with Covid-19
Source: New England Journal of Medicine
This study describes the results of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the use of baricitinib plus remdesivir in treating 1033 adults hospitalised with COVID-19. The study found that baricitinib...
13/01/2021
Convalescent plasma in the management of moderate covid-19 in adults in India: open label phase II multicentre randomised controlled trial (PLACID Trial)
Source: BMJ
A trial on 464 adults with moderate COVID-19 found that convalescent plasma (blood plasma from donors who have recovered from COVID-19) is not effective in reducing mortality or progression to...
13/01/2021
A Randomized Trial of Convalescent Plasma in Covid-19 Severe Pneumonia
Source: New England Journal of Medicine
Convalescent plasma is blood plasma from donors who have recovered from COVID-19. A trial of 333 patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia found that there were no significant difference in the...
13/01/2021
COVID-19 Scientific and Public Health Policy Update – (01 December 2020)
Source: Africa CDC
This update provides a summary of the latest developments in scientific knowledge and public health policy from around the world. Highlights on treatments are summarised below: - A small trial...
13/01/2021
COVID-19 Scientific and Public Health Policy Update – (15 December 2020)
Source: Africa CDC
This update provides a summary of the latest developments in scientific knowledge and public health policy from around the world. Highlights on treatments are summarised below: - A study looked...
13/01/2021
Therapeutics and COVID-19: living guideline
Source: WHO
This is a living guideline containing information and recommendations on some treatment options. Guidelines are based on evidence from clinical trials and scientific publications. It is expected that the guidelines...
13/01/2021
Joint WHO AFRO and Africa CDC Statement on the Use of Corticosteroid for the Management of Severe and Critical COVID-19 Cases
Source: Africa CDC
Africa CDC and the WHO have published guidelines on the use of corticosteroid for managing severe and critical COVID-19 patients. The major recommendations are to use corticosteroids (such as dexamethasone...
18/01/2021
Prevention Measures; If You Are Sick; Caring for Someone at Home
Source: Kenya Medical Research Institute
This resource from the Kenya Medical Research Institute allows you to toggle between guidance on various subtopics related to COVID-19, from prevention, to managing illness, and looking after someone who...
18/01/2021
No evidence that vitamin D is able to prevent or affect the severity of COVID-19 in individuals with European ancestry: a Mendelian randomisation study of open data
Source: BMJ
This study found no evidence that vitamin D is protective against SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 severity. The data support the recent statement by the National Institute for Health and Care...
18/01/2021
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Recommendations
Source: BMJ
This BMJ article recommends that management of COVID cases should be based on disease severity and must focus on: isolation at a suitable location, infection prevention and control measures, symptom...
18/01/2021
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Primary Prevention
Source: BMJ
An article aggregating data / studies, providing six recommendations for the general public: 1) washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or an alcohol-based hand...
28/01/2021
COVID-19 and Thromboembolism Prophylaxis: Is More Anticoagulation Better?
Source: NEJM
Report on research article COVID-19 and Thromboembolism Prophylaxis: Is More Anticoagulation Better? Research suggests that more anticoagulation is not necessarily better -- two reports indicate no statistical differences between dosing...
28/01/2021
COVID-19: ID Group Recommends Tocilizumab / Layperson Phone Calls / Pooled Testing Benefits
Source: NEJM
The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) now suggests adding the interleukin-6 inhibitor tocilizumab to standard care.
28/01/2021
Our Latest Coverage of COVID-19
Source: NEJM
Presentation of the week's summaries, commentary, and news on the pandemic. This week, NEJM Journal Watch covered COVID-19–related topics including limitations of procalcitonin for antimicrobial stewardship, efficacy of mRNA vaccines...
28/01/2021
COVID-19: Reinfections / New Name for “Long COVID” / IL-6 Inhibitor / NYC & Calif. Variants
Source: NEJM
Report on research articles COVID-19 reinfections confirmed in US; Interleukin-6 (a protein linked to inflammation) inhibitors as a promising therapy for COVID-19 and; further information on the spread of variants.
28/01/2021
Dexamethasone in Hospitalized Patients with Covid-19
Source: NEJM
Peer reviewed article In patients hospitalized with COVID-19, the use of dexamethasone resulted in lower 28-day mortality among those who were receiving either invasive mechanical ventilation or oxygen alone at...
28/01/2021
Interleukin-6 Receptor Antagonists in Critically Ill Patients with Covid-19
Source: NEJM
Peer reviewed article Critically ill patients with COVID-19 receiving organ support in ICUs, treatment with the interleukin-6 receptor antagonists tocilizumab and sarilumab displayed improved outcomes, including survival.
28/01/2021
COVID-19 drug practices risk antimicrobial resistance evolution
Source: The Lancet
Opinion piece There was an increasing demand for and misuse of various drugs in the treatment of COVID-19 irrespective of paucity of scientific evidence. This could lead to a speedier...
28/01/2021
Clinical Questions about COVID-19: Questions and Answers
Source: US CDC
Brief summaries of clinical questions and answers on topics relating to COVID-19, including: COVID-19 Risk, Who is at Risk, Infection Control, Transmission, Testing, Diagnosis, and more.
28/01/2021
Global Clinical Mitigation
Source: US CDC
Clinical mitigation encompasses strategies to ensure adequate provision of care for mildly to moderately ill COVID-19 patients, and delivery of other non-COVID-19 essential health services during the COVID-19 outbreak.
28/01/2021
For Parents: Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19
Source: US CDC
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a condition where different body parts can become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs. Many children with...
28/01/2021
Independent Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Test Performance
Source: US CDC
Serology tests play an important role in assessing the immune response to a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, the virus that causes COVID-19. Evaluation of serology tests with well-characterized clinical samples (serum...
31/01/2021
The COVID-19 vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women unless they are at high risk of exposure
Source: Snopes
Claim: The World Health Organisation warned that pregnant women should avoid the COVID-19 vaccination. Partly true As of January 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that the use of...
31/01/2021
Last-Mile Logistics of Covid Vaccination — The Role of Health Care Organizations
Source: New England Journal of Medicine
Opinion piece by Thomas H. Lee, M.D., and Alice H. Chen, M.D., M.P.H. This work of distributing the vaccine is compared with managing the last mile in other business sectors:...
31/01/2021
COVID-19 rapid evidence summary: Sarilumab for COVID-19
Source: NICE
This evidence summary includes 1 prepublication study only, with a small number of patients randomised to sarilumab (n=48). This means that the findings may change if further evidence becomes available....
31/01/2021
Effect of tocilizumab on clinical outcomes at 15 days in patients with severe or critical coronavirus disease 2019: randomised controlled trial
Source: BMJ
Tocilizumab is a treatment approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, giant cell arteritis and cytokine release syndrome. A gold standard, double blind, randomised control trial on 129 patients with...
31/01/2021
Scientists tackle vaccine safety, efficacy and access at global R&D forum
Source: WHO
More than 2,800 scientists from 130 countries gathered on Friday (January 15) in a virtual forum hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) to identify knowledge gaps and set research...
2/2/21
Are Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Monoclonal Antibodies Beneficial for Outpatients with COVID-19?
Source: NEJM
Summary Review Despite the lack of adjustment for the numerous comparisons in this study, bamlanivimab did not result in an improved virologic response at 11 days compared with placebo —...
2/2/21
COVID-19: Guidance on Tocilizumab / Asymptomatic Testing
Source: NEJM
Review The National Institutes of Health has slightly upgraded tocilizumab as a treatment for COVID-19 in its latest COVID-19 treatment guidelines. Previously, the group recommended against the use of tocilizumab...
2/2/21
COVID-19: Methylprednisolone for MIS-C / Younger Adults / Access to Monoclonal Antibodies
Source: NEJM
Review by By Kelly Young Adding methylprednisolone to intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG - chemicals made by our immune systems to fight the virus) is associated with better fever outcomes in multisystem...
2/2/21
Are Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Monoclonal Antibodies Beneficial for Outpatients with COVID-19?
Source: NEJM
For reducing viral load (the number of virus particles in a patient’s test sample), a combination of two anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies (lab made, but identical to the immune system proteins...
2/2/21
The potential of rapalogs to enhance resilience against SARS-CoV-2 infection and reduce the severity of COVID-19
Source: The Lancet
Opinion piece The piece explores the potential of rapalogs (drugs used to suppress cancer) to enhance resilience against SARS-CoV-2 infection and reduce the severity of COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 affects old people...
2/2/21
Application of unsupervised machine learning to identify and characterise hydroxychloroquine misinformation on Twitter
Source: The Lancet
Opinion piece Concerns about hydroxychloroquine's safety and efficacy are well documented, including its association with cardiac adverse events, blood and lymph system disorders, liver problems, and kidney injury. A study...
2/2/21
WHO international non-proprietary names: the need to distinguish COVID-19 vaccines
Source: The Lancet
Opinion piece The WHO International Non-proprietary Names Programme would like to highlight that international non-proprietary names (INNs), assigned to well defined pharmaceutical substances, including those used in vaccines, ensure that...
2/2/21
The impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on HIV care in 65 South African primary care clinics: an interrupted time series analysis
Source: The Lancet
ART (Anti-retroviral treatment - the most effective method of countering HIV) provision was generally maintained during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, but HIV testing and ART initiations were heavily impacted. Strategies...
2/2/21
Peginterferon lambda for the treatment of outpatients with COVID-19: a phase 2, placebo-controlled randomised trial
Source: The Lancet
To date, only monoclonal antibodies (antibodies made in laboratories but identical to the ones our white blood cells produce) have been shown to be effective for outpatients with COVID-19. Interferon...
2/2/21
Why aren’t covid-19 vaccines being manufactured in standard prefilled syringes?
Source: BMJ
Opinion piece This article discusses the difficulties of the final processes when delivering vaccines. It questions why, -given prefilled syringes are the safest and standard recommended delivery device for most...
2/2/21
Covid-19: Novavax vaccine efficacy is 86% against UK variant and 60% against South African variant
Source: BMJ
News article The SARS-CoV-2 vaccine produced by the US biotechnology company Novavax is 95.6% effective against the original variant of SARS-CoV-2 but also provides protection against the newer variants B.1.1.7...
2/2/21
COVAX expects to start sending millions of COVID-19 vaccines to Africa in February
Source: Afro WHO
COVAX has notified countries in Africa of the estimated dose allocation for the first phase of COVID-19 vaccine delivery. The global initiative led by the WHO, Gavi the Vaccine Alliance...