Search

Background: Lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with changes in the pattern of use of antimicrobials, but persistence of changes after lockdowns has not been described. The objective was to describe the number of patients with dispensed antibiotic treatment and consumption of antibiotics in outpatients from primary care in Catalonia 18 months after the end of the emergency period., Research Design and Methods: Data for the COVID-19 pandemic period was obtained from March 2020 to December 2021. Four high transmission rate (Rt > 100) periods were established. To compare data, a simple Bayesian structural time series model was used., Results: The observed number of patients with dispensed antibiotics decreased respect to the estimated, especially during the four high transmission rate periods: April-May 2020 (lockdown period) (-42.57% and -42.68%); December 2020-February 2021 (-41.65%, -49.97% and -43.64%); October 2021 (-16.23%), and December 2021 (-20.16%). Overall antibiotic consumption was reduced by 23.37% ( p  = 0.002). These differences were mainly observed in those ≤ 15 years., Conclusions: We describe the reduction in the number of patients with dispensed antibiotics and antibiotic consumption after the COVID-19 lockdown persisted in a period of recovery of healthcare accessibility. This information may help to improve antimicrobial use at the primary care level.

Abstract: Our objective was to analyze in vitro the persistence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the packaging material of the drugs dispensed to hospital wards. Additionally, to evaluate if the protection with a double plastic bag prevents the contamination of the medication dispensed to an intensive care unit (ICU).On the first part, different materials containing different drugs within an ICU were sampled to confirm the lack of contamination by SARS-CoV-2. The confirmation of the virus was performed using real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. As a control group, in the microbiology laboratory we inoculated the virus into the different surfaces containing the same drugs included in the first part. Samples were obtained with a sterile swab at 3, 6, 8, 10, 14, 21, and 30 days after inoculation and analyzed through real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.None of the studied materials containing the drugs within an ICU was contaminated by SARS-CoV-2. In the second part, SARS-CoV-2 was found in all surfaces for up to 30 days.The use of double-bag unit-dose system to deliver medication in a pandemic seems effective to prevent the potential transmission of SARS-CoV-2. A striking SARS-CoV-2 RNA stability of up to 30 days was found in the surfaces containing the drugs., Competing Interests: The authors have no funding and conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2021 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 is a novel virus that causes coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). Antiviral and immunomodulatory agents have been proposed as potential treatments. Azithromycin exhibits both properties and therefore may play a role., Areas Covered: This article reviews the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and safety of azithromycin in viral infections, with emphasis on COVID-19. A literature search of PUBMED was conducted on May 30 th and updated on July 28 th ., Expert Opinion: Azithromycin presents in vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2 and could act in different points of the viral cycle. Its immunomodulatory properties include the ability to downregulate cytokine production, maintain epithelial cell integrity or prevent lung fibrosis. Azithromycin use was associated with a reduction in mortality and ventilation days in other viral infections. These properties could be beneficial throughout the COVID-19. However, the evidence of its use is scarce and of low quality. Azithromycin has been assessed in retrospective observational studies mainly in combination with hydroxychloroquine, which has shown to provide no benefit. This macrolide presents a well-known safety profile. Upcoming clinical trials will determine the role of azithromycin in the COVID-19 (including the stage of the disease where it offers the greatest benefits and the effect of its combination with other drugs).