Efficacy of Oseltamivir in the Treatment of Patients Infected with Covid-19

Background and purpose: The recent unprecedented pandemic caused by Sars-Cov-2, is threatening public health over the world. Although several studies have been performed there is no identified treatment for Covid-19 patients. Here we assessed the efficacy of oseltamivir in combination therapy, by comparing two different therapeutic regimens in hospitalized patients. Experimental approach: This is a retrospective, according to the date of admission, the patients were divided into two groups; group 1 (oselta group) from Feb 20, 2020 to March 15, 2020 received Oseltamivir with routine regimen and group 2 (control group) from March 20, 2020 to April 20, 2020 received routine regimen alone including Azithromycin 500 mg/daily and Hydroxychloroquine 200 mg/12h. The endpoints including, the duration of hospitalization, requirement to intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mechanical ventilation, the outcome and rate of mortality. Key Results: A total of 285 patients were enrolled over the two months, 120 patients for group 1 and 165 for group 2. The median time from admission to discharge was significantly shorter in oselta group in comparison with control Group. Additionally, the mortality rate was found to be lower in oselta group than control group which was statistically significant by multivariate analysis. The incidence of ICU admission and mechanical ventilation were also decreased in oselta group but were not found to be statistically significant. Conclusion and implications: This study showed that administration of oseltamivir was associated with shorter length of hospital stay and earlier recovery and discharge of hospital, and a lower mortality rate.