Randomized controlled open label trial on the use of favipiravir combined with inhaled interferon beta-1b in hospitalized patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khamis, Faryal; Al Naabi, Hanan; Al Lawati, Adil; Ambusaidi, Zaiyana; Al Sharji, Mariam; Al Barwani, Umkulthum; Pandak, Nenad; Al Balushi, Zakariya; Al Bahrani, Maher; Al Salmi, Issa; Al-Zakwani, Ibrahim
• Is Part Of: International journal of infectious diseases. Volume 102(2021)
• Page Start: 538
• Page End: 543
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.11.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1201-9712

Abstract

Highlights: Favipiravir and inhaled interferon compared with with hydroxychloroquine for moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia. No difference between the 2 groups was found in time to recovary, inflammatory markers or improvement of oxygenation. No differnece was found between the 2 groups in transfer to ICU or mortality. Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of favipiravir combined with inhaled interferon beta-1b in adult patients hospitalized with moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods: A randomized, open-label controlled trial of oral favipiravir in adults hospitalized with moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia from June 22nd 2020 to August 13th 2020 was conducted. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a combination of favipiravir with interferon beta-1b by inhalation aerosol or hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). The outcome endpoints included improvement in inflammatory markers, lower length of hospital stay (LOS), discharges and lower overall 14-day mortality. Results: A total of 89 patients underwent randomization with 49% (n = 44) assigned to favipiravir and 51% (n = 45) assigned HCQ. The overall mean age was 55 ± 14 years and 58% (n = 52) were males. There were no significant differences in the inflammatory biomarkers at hospital discharge between the two groups; C-reactive protein ( p = 0.413), ferritin ( p = 0.968), lactate dehydrogenase ( p = 0.259) and interleukin 6 ( p = 0.410). There were also no significant differences between the two groups with regards to the overall LOS (7 vs 7 days; p = 0.948), transfers to the ICU (18.2% vs 17.8%; p = 0.960), discharges (65.9% vs 68.9%; p = 0.764) and overall mortality (11.4% vs 13.3%; p = 0.778). Conclusions: No differences in clinical outcomes were found between favipiravir plus inhaled interferon beta-1b and hydroxychloroquine in adults hospitalized with moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia.