The Evaluation of Remdesivir Utilization Pattern and Its Correlation with Clinical Indicators in Hospitalized Patients During COVID-19 Pandemic; A Retrospective Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: In 2019 COVID became the cause of a pandemic, with approximately 500,000 deaths in six months worldwide. Remdesivir, the first drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for COVID-19 treatment, gained attention from numerous medical centers worldwide. The consecutive waves of COVID-19 peaks in Iran, coupled with the lack of widespread vaccination, and high consumption leading to a shortage of remdesivir in the country, prompted an investigation into the usage patterns of remdesivir and its correlation with clinical indicators in hospitalized patients.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using 390 patients' electronic records in seven different hospitals. Electronic records were reviewed and information was extracted under four categories: demographic data, lab test results at admission, medication information, and lab test results after completing treatment. Patients were classified into three time periods based on the date of their first remdesivir injection. Outcomes were defined as final clinical status and length of stay in hospital.

Results: A total of 390 patients were enrolled, with 198 females and 192 males. The longest hospital stay was 88 days, with an average of 7.5 days. A total of 1,979 doses of remdesivir were prescribed, with 224 doses being in accordance with the national protocol, 22 doses exceeding the protocol, and 144 doses below the protocol. The overall average dose consumption was 5.07 for each patient.

Conclusion: Overall pattern of remdesivir utilization in the hospitals evaluated in this study (affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences) has been reasonable and in accordance with national protocols for COVID-19 infection.