Outpatient Treatment of COVID-19 Patients in High Risk Population

Authors

Tracy Funk, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Emergency Medicine

Advisor

Dr. Lawrence Herman

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The purpose of this basic review article is to discuss outpatient treatment options for patients with COVID-19 infection and a high risk for developing complications leading to hospitalization and/or death.

Methods: A PubMed literature search was conducted with the following terms: “omicron treatment options”, “omicron and monoclonal antibodies”, “omicron and anti-viral”. Articles published from 2021 to February 2022 were considered. Seven articles were retrieved and served as the basis for this clinical review along with federal guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institute of Health (NIH), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Results: The NIH currently recommends three anti-viral medications and two monoclonal antibodies for outpatient treatment of COVID-19 in patients with mild to moderate symptoms and considered high-risk for developing severe complications.¹ An emergency use authorization (EUA) by the FDA has been issued for two oral antivirals, molnupiravir, and nirmatrelvir and ritonavir combination. Remdesivir is an intravenous antiviral authorized for outpatient use. There two monoclonal antibodies authorized for use are bebtelovimab and sotrovimab.

Discussion: These treatments have been shown to reduce the severity, duration, hospitalization, and death rates in an outpatient setting for patients considered high-risk for developing severe illness.

Recommended Citation

Funk T. Outpatient Treatment of COVID-19 Patients in High Risk Population. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2022; 4(3).