Pharmacoepidemiological research of COVID-19 in the Russian Federation EGIDA-2020

Background. During 2020 a several antiviral drugs were recommended in Russia, therefore issue of COVID-19 antiviral therapy (AVT) remains open. Aim. An analysis of coronavirus infection in Russia and evaluation of different AVT regimens effectiveness. Materials and methods. The study involved a retrospective analysis of 1082 patient records with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in 17 regions of Russia. The number of men and women was equal, mean age - 48.7 +/- 18.1 (median - 50). Patients with moderate COVID-19 (85%) versus mild COVID-19 (15%) were characterized by higher age (median - 54 vs 21 years; p<0.001), higher body mass index (27.8 vs 23.4; p<0.001), prevalence of chronic diseases (75.3% vs 8.5%; p<0.001), including circulatory system diseases (37.8%). Moderate COVID-19 characterized higher intoxication (10.8 +/- 6.1 vs 4.2 +/- 2.7 days; p<0.001) and catarrhal symptoms duration (10.2 +/- 5.4 vs 6.1 +/- 4.1 days; p<0.001). Results. During hospitalization 92% of the patients received AVT, 77% - antibiotics, and 16% - corticosteroids. Umifenovir therapy resulted in a significant reduction of intoxication (8.7 +/- 5.5 vs 11.7 +/- 5.5 days; p<0.001) and catarrhal symptoms duration (8.8 +/- 5.1 vs 12.0 +/- 4.9 days; p<0.001) compared to the group without AVT. The usage of INF reduced intoxication symptoms compared with the group without AVT (8.9 +/- 7.5 vs 11.7 +/- 5.5; p<0.05). Therapy with hydroxychloroquine, imidazolylethanamide pentandioic acid, and lopinavir + ritonavir combination did not affect the course of COVID-19. Most of adverse reactions were related to antibiotics. Conclusion. Umifenovir therapy and inclusion of interferon in AVT regimens was associated improvement in the clinical manifestation of the disease among patients.

Automated summary

The study analyzed 1082 patient records with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in Russia, finding that patients with moderate illness were older, had more chronic diseases, and higher levels of intoxication compared to those with mild illness. Most patients received antiviral therapy during hospitalization, with umifenovir therapy and inclusion of interferon being associated with improvement in the clinical manifestation of the disease among patients.