RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Prescription profile in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection hospitalised in Aragon, Spain
JF European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
JO Eur J Hosp Pharm
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP 287
OP 289
DO 10.1136/ejhpharm-2020-002476
VO 29
IS 5
A1 Adriana Alvarez
A1 Laura Cabia
A1 Cristina Trigo
A1 Ana Cristina Bandrés
A1 María Bestué
YR 2022
UL http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/29/5/287.abstract
AB Introduction On 14 March 2020, a state of alarm was declared in Spain because of the pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). After 12 weeks from the beginning of the pandemic, the number of confirmed cases stoods at 5781 in Aragon: 46% hospitalised, 5% admitted to intensive care unit, and 15% died. The absence of controlled trials in SARS-CoV-2 infection and the fast progression of the disease has promoted the use of treatments with unproven potential benefit. The objective of this study is to define the prescription profile in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection hospitalised in Aragon, Spain during the pandemic and its adaptation to the official recommendations.Patients and methods Descriptive retrospective study of the consumption and inpatient dispensation of drugs in a sample of COVID-19 infected inpatients (with positive PCR test result) admitted to hospitals of Aragon, between 1 March and 8 May 2020. Data were collected by an inpatient dispensation software program.Results 1482 positive COVID-19 patients were analysed: 54.9% male, median age 75 years (IQR 62–85); 12% were admitted to the intensive care unit. Median prescription: 13 active ingredients per patient (IQR 9–19). 73% (1093 patients) received hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir, or azithromycin, 81% as combination therapy. 4.3% (52) received other antivirals. 46% received corticosteroids (84% methylprednisolone, 8.7% dexamethasone) and 2.2% tocilizumab.Discussion At the time of the study period there was not enough quality evidence to issue a recommendation on any treatment. There are several clinical trials ongoing to clarify what is the best treatment for patient with SARS-CoV-2 infection.All data relevant to the study are included in the article or uploaded as supplementary information, de-identified participant data.