Retrospective Assessment of Treatments of Hospitalized Covid-19 Patients

Infection with SARS-Cov-2 virus, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, in addition to the economic burden it has put on the country. While waiting for a vaccine that gives adequate protection, it is necessary to understand the course of the infection and identify drugs that could reduce its impact. The results of this multicenter study involving 1035 hospitalized patients in Pune, identified diabetes, hypertension and low lymphocyte counts as predictors of mortality. There is also an indication that multiple comorbidities add to risk of severe disease and mortality. Data from metformin treated diabetics raises the possibility of considering repurposing of this drug in a larger study. It is also noted that Hydroxychloroquine, dexamethasone, azithromycin and remdesivir were associated with lower overall mortality. Diabetes and hypertension put Covid infected patients at greater risk of death, coexistence of both diseases further augment the risk, and must be aggressively treated.