The Effectiveness and Side Effects of Remdesivir in COVID-19 Patients with Pneumonia

Background: Remdesivir is one of the antiviral agents to treat COVID-19 infection. It has an antiviral activity directly related to activation of pro-inflammatory responses, causing cytokine storm, multiorgan damage and mortality. With these potential activities, this study investigated the effectiveness and evaluated side effects of remdesivir used for COVID-19 patients with pneumonia. Methods: This cohort observational study collected data retrospectively from medical records of COVID-19 patients at Bhayangkara H.S Samsoeri Mertojoso Hospital, Surabaya. Patients who received remdesivir with loading dose (1 x 200 mg) IV had to follow maintenance dose (1 x 100 mg) IV. They were analyzed in three groups from October 2020 to February 2021. The data conveyed PCR/rapid Ag Swab, oxygen saturation, chest X-rays imaging, BUN, SCr, SGOT and SGPT.Result: A total of 60 patients were evaluated in three therapeutic groups, and the administration of remdesivir within 5-9 days was effective. Mostly, the patients (77%) had negative PCR/rapid Ag Swab; most of them (52%) had better oxygen saturation by supplementary oxygen therapy; more than a half had better chest X-rays imaging parameters (68%). Common side effects included an increase in SGOT (85.30%), SGPT (79.88%), BUN (74.23%), and serum creatinine (43.33%). Conclusion: The antiviral effect of remdesivir with loading dose (1 x 200 mg) IV needs to follow maintenance dose (1 x 100 mg) IV for 5-9 days. Hence, COVID-19 patients with pneumonia could have clinical improvement with increased level of liver and kidney function.