A Systematic Literature Review of Current Therapeutic Approaches for COVID-19 Patients

Background: In December 2019, the pneumonia outbreak reported in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. WHO introduced a novel coronavirus and the virus named Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in January 2020. There are not any specific antiviral agents for coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). Objective: Our review aimed to discuss treatment options and the efficacy of currently prescribed drugs and supportive care in COVID-19 patients. Study Design: A literature review of the articles in the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and EMBASE conducted. Results: Lopinavir/ritonavir combination was the most frequently used drug, followed by Arbidol and Oseltamivir and Methylprednisolone. Lopinavir/Ritonavir outcome showed the fever and respiratory infection improve in day two and day eight, respectively. Also, negative PCR of SARS-CoV-2 in days six and 7day was seen and finally these patients discharged in 10 days. Conclusions: Lopinavir/Ritonavir was the most improving administrated antiviral combination, which might be a good option for COVID-19 due to its availability. Although supportive care such as O-2 supplementary and IV fluid therapy has improved outcomes. There are not evidence for suggesting a new treatment or a new drug, which mean the necessity of further investigations for drug research in a clinical trial for a conclusion about the optimum treatment.