A Systematic Literature Review of Current Therapeutic Approaches for COVID-19 Patients

Background: In December 2019, the pneumonia outbreak reported in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. WHO introduced a novel coronavirus and the virus named Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in January 2020. There are not any specific antiviral agents for coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19).

Objective: Our review aimed to discuss treatment options and the efficacy of currently prescribed drugs and supportive care in COVID‐19 patients.

Study Design: A literature review of the articles in the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and EMBASE conducted.

Results: Lopinavir/ritonavir combination was the most frequently used drug, followed by Arbidol and Oseltamivir and Methylprednisolone. Lopinavir/Ritonavir outcome showed the fever and respiratory infection improve in day two and day eight, respectively. Also, negative PCR of SARS‐CoV‐2 in days six and 7day was seen and finally these patients discharged in 10 days.

Conclusions: Lopinavir/Ritonavir was the most improving administrated antiviral combination, which might be a good option for COVID-19 due to its availability. Although supportive care such as O2 supplementary and IV fluid therapy has improved outcomes. There are not evidence for suggesting a new treatment or a new drug, which mean the necessity of further investigations for drug research in a clinical trial for a conclusion about the optimum treatment.