J Med Virol. 2021 Nov 25. doi: 10.1002/jmv.27475. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Interferons are essential part of the innate immune system and have antiviral and immunomodulatory functions. We studied the effects of Interferon β-1a on outcomes of severe cases of COVID-19.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted on hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Loghman-Hakim hospital from 20 February 2020 to 20 April 2020, Tehran, Iran. Patients were selected from two groups, the first group received Interferon β-1a in addition to standard treatment regimen, and the second group received standard care. The clinical progression of two groups during their hospital admission has been compared.
RESULTS: We studied a total number of 395 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Out of this number, 111 patients (33.5%) died (31.3% of the Interferon β-1a group and 34.1% of the control group). Mortality rate indicated no statistically significant difference between groups (p-value = 0.348), however for patients who were hospitalized for more than a week, the rate of mortality was lower in the Interferon β-1a group (p-value = 0.014). The median hospital stay was statistically longer for patients treated by Interferon β-1a (p-value <0.001).
CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that Interferon β-1a can improve the outcomes of hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19, but more adequately-powered randomized controlled trials should be conducted. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
PMID:34821387 | DOI:10.1002/jmv.27475
