Management of COVID-19 patients, with emphasis on limited resource setting: is less optimum?

Authors

  • Prafulla Samant Department of Critical Care and Anaesthesia, Bhaktivedanta Hospital and Research Institute, Thane, Maharashtra, India
  • Siddhi Ghodge Department of Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy, K. J. Somaiya College of Physiotherapy, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • Ajay Sankhe Department of General Pediatrics, Bhaktivedanta Hospital and Research Institute, Thane, Maharashtra, India
  • Heena Ali Department of Medical Research, Bhaktivedanta Hospital and Research Institute, Thane, Maharashtra, India
  • Vijaykumar Gawali Department of Medical Research, Bhaktivedanta Hospital and Research Institute, Thane, Maharashtra, India
  • Manoj Kisanrao Bhadre Department of Medicine and Health, Rural hospital, Uran Rural Hospital, Uran, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • Swati Suyog Mhatre Department of Medicine and Health, Rural hospital, Uran Rural Hospital, Uran, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • Pradnya Anil Bhagat Department of Medicine and Health, Rural hospital, Uran Rural Hospital, Uran, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • Santosh Sudhakar Pawar Department of Community Health and Social Work, Rural hospital, Uran Rural Hospital, Uran, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • Rajendra Madhavi Department of Community Health and Social Work, Rural hospital, Uran Rural Hospital, Uran, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • Sushil Shashikant Patil Department of Medicine and Health, Rural hospital, Uran Rural Hospital, Uran, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3933.ijam20214875

Keywords:

COVID-19, Limited resource, Treatment, Mortality, Minimal oxygen, Progesterone immunomodulator

Abstract

Background: There is scarcity of essential medications, medical talent and health care facilities to treat covid-19, at remote places. This study explores various modalities in resource-limited settings for the management of COVID-19 patients.

Methods: We retrospectively analysed data of 266 consecutive discharged and death Covid-19 patients from 26December 2020 to 29May 2021. All patients were admitted and received appropriate supportive care, regular clinical and laboratory monitoring.

Results: Of total 266 patients the mean age of patients was 49.19 (SD 14.1) years and 185 (69.54%) of them were males. 99 (37%) cases were moderate, 83(31%)were severe cases remaining 84 (32%) were mild cases. 16 (6.01%) patients expired and remaining 250 patients were subsequently discharged. Median duration of stay in the hospital was 9 (37) days. Of total 266 admitted patients’ mortality rate was only 6.01%.

Conclusions: We emphasize that even in healthcare facilities with limited resource, poor infrastructure and lack of ICU facilities, clinical observation-based managementt can help to reduce mortality considerably. Unique features of our study include; use of progesterone as an immunomodulator, use of dual antiviral agents, use of age-related lower limit of oxygen saturation.

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Published

2021-12-23

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Original Research Articles