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Review
. 2020 Sep;92(9):1441-1448.
doi: 10.1002/jmv.25788. Epub 2020 Apr 10.

Controversial treatments: An updated understanding of the coronavirus disease 2019

Cantong Zhang  1 , Shaoying Huang  1 , Fengping Zheng  1 , Yong Dai  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Controversial treatments: An updated understanding of the coronavirus disease 2019

Cantong Zhang et al. J Med Virol. 2020 Sep.

Abstract

An outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 infection has posed significant threats to international health and the economy. In the absence of specific treatment for this virus, there is an urgent need to learn from the experience and lessons in China. To reduce the case-fatality rate among coronavirus disease 2019 patients, we should not ignore the complications, such as RNAaemia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and multiple organ dysfunction. To help understand the advantages and limitations of differential treatments, we provide a timely review and discuss the complications and corresponding major treatments, especially controversial ones such as antiviral therapy (remdesivir, ribavirin, and chloroquine), glucocorticoid therapy, extracorporeal support including an artificial liver system, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation based on available evidence. As a result, we suggest that antiviral therapy and organ function support are vital to reduce mortality for mild patients and critical patients, respectively.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; coronavirus; literature review; pneumonia; treatment.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The existing confirmed and suspected number of cases of coronavirus disease 2019 in China. On 17 February 2020, the total number of existing cases reached its peak and declined gradually. As of 2 March 2020, the total number of confirmed cases and deaths reached 80 174 and 2915, respectively
Figure 2
Figure 2
The new confirmed cases outside of China started to increase gradually after 21 February. PHEIC, Public Health Emergency of International Concern; WHO, World Health Organization
Figure 3
Figure 3
The confirmed cases outside of China. PHEIC, Public Health Emergency of International Concern; WHO, World Health Organization
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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