Early Treatment Outcomes of SARS-Cov-2 with Ivermectin, Nitazoxanide and Acetylsalicylic Acid in 2 Nursing Homes During The COVID-19 Pandemic in Cali, Colombia

Introduction: The high lethality of COVID-19 among older adults and especially in nursing homes led to the implementation of early treatment for residents in 2 geriatric institutions in Cali, Colombia, where outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 occurred at different times of the epidemic. Only one of the 475 residents, who was positive for the infection, died of a heart attack. Objectives: To provide data regarding the early initiation of pharmacological treatment and interdisciplinary monitoring of patients who were RT-PCR-positive or antigen-positive for SARS-CoV-2, as well as to their close contacts. Also, we look for less referrals to hospitals of high-level complexity or to intensive care units, and to contribute to reducing mortality in older adults in nursing homes. Methods: This is an evaluation of early pharmacological treatment administered to 475 older adults residing in 2 nursing homes, where outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 were identified by the authorities of each institution. SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR or antigen tests were performed for all residents. The Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) was taken into account, and the NEWS-2 National Early Warning Score was used to determine which cases should be managed at the institution and which should be referred to a hospital with a higher level of complexity. Interdisciplinary follow-up was carried out by the medical, nursing, psychology and social work staff at the institutions for 30 days. The pharmacological treatment administered to all residents was ivermectin (600 mcg/kg) on days 1 and 7; nitazoxanide (500 mg), BD for 6 days; and acetylsalicylic acid (100 mg) interday, on days 1, 3, 5, and 7.