School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations
Early ambulatory outpatient sequenced antiviral multidrug COVID-19 treatment (including for Delta or similar variants) for high-risk children and adolescents
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-2021
Abstract
During the past 19 months the global spread of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, Coronavirus2 (SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19) has led to acute hospitalizations and death in primarily high-risk elderly and younger age groups who often present with comorbidities associated with increased risk. Otherwise, the virus is largely self-limiting in those infected outside of high-risk groups. Presently, the global community is confronting a predominant Delta variant of the virus, distinct from the initial variants, highly contagious and less virulent. The good news for high-risk populations is that early drug treatment (sequenced multi-drug treatment/SMDT) for all variants, has been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death by as much as 85%. This paper is a combination of scientific research including clinical expert opinion of front-line doctors treating patients with COVID-19 and focuses on early treatments in children. The authors however, in support of the scientific literature recognize the risk of severe illness or death in the pediatric population is significantly low (statistical zero). Outlined are some of the key issues and pathophysiological principles that relate to the pediatric population with early infection. Therapeutic approaches based on these principles include 1) reduction of reinoculation, 2) combination antiviral anti-infective ‘repurposed’ therapy, 3) immunomodulation via oral/inhaled corticosteroids, 4) antiplatelet/antithrombotic/anticlotting therapy, and 5) administration of oxygen, monitoring, and telemedicine as needed. The key message is that as with adults, high-risk persons of any age, including the pediatric population, should not be left in a ‘wait-and-see’ mode whereby there is the potential for clinical decline; this, while effective, affordable, accessible, and safe treatments exist that could be administered in the pre-hospital phase. This paper should not in any way be taken as an indication or endorsement of elevated COVID-19 risk to pediatric populations, but rather as a proactive position in the rare instance a young child requires treatment. Future comparative effectiveness research comprised of high-quality and trustworthy observational study research and randomized controlled trials (especially study involving multiple therapeutic combinations/SMDT) will undoubtedly refine and clarify our clinical observations.
Recommended Citation
Alexander, P et al. “Early ambulatory outpatient sequenced antiviral multidrug COVID-19 treatment (including for Delta or similar variants) for high-risk children and adolescents.”