Evidence based management guideline for the COVID-19 pandemic - Review article. (May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nicola, Maria; O'Neill, Niamh; Sohrabi, Catrin; Khan, Mehdi; Agha, Maliha; Agha, Riaz
• Is Part Of: International journal of surgery. Volume 77(2020)
• Page Start: 206
• Page End: 216
• Publication Date: 2020-05
• Subjects: SARS-CoV-2 -- COVID-19 -- Pandemic -- Management guidelines; Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgical Procedures, Operative -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2020.04.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-9191

Abstract

Abstract: COVID-19 has now been declared a pandemic. To date, COVID-19 has affected over 2.5 million people worldwide, resulting in over 170, 000 reported deaths. Numerous preventative strategies and non-pharmaceutical interventions have been employed to mitigate the spread of disease including careful infection control, the isolation of patients, and social distancing. Management is predominantly focused on the provision of supportive care, with oxygen therapy representing the major treatment intervention. Medical therapy involving corticosteroids and antivirals have also been encouraged as part of critical management schemes. However, there is at present no specific antiviral recommended for the treatment of COVID-19, and no vaccine is currently available. Despite the strategic implementation of these measures, the number of new reported cases continues to rise at a profoundly alarming rate. As new findings emerge, there is an urgent need for up-to-date management guidelines. In response to this call, we review what is currently known regarding the management of COVID-19, and offer an evidence-based review of current practice. Highlights: COVID-19 has recently been declared a pandemic by WHO. Increased cases globally have highlighted the need for updated management guidelines. Currently, supportive management is the first-line treatment. New medical therapies are currently in phase 1 and 2 trials.