Abstract |
Available animal and cell line models have suggested that specific therapeutics might be effective in treating Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). We conducted a systematic review of evidence for treatment with pharmacologic and supportive therapies. We developed a protocol and searched 5 databases for studies describing treatment of MERS and deaths in MERS patients. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed by using ROBINS-I tool. We retrieved 3,660 unique citations; 20 observational studies met eligibility, and we studied 13 therapies. Most studies were at serious or critical RoB; no studies were at low RoB. One study, at moderate RoB, showed reduced mortality rates in severe MERS patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; no other studies showed a significant lifesaving benefit to any treatment. The existing literature on treatments for MERS is observational and at moderate to critical RoB. Clinical trials are needed to guide treatment decisions.
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Authors | Taylor Kain, Patrick J Lindsay, Neill K J Adhikari, Yaseen M Arabi, Maria D Van Kerkhove, Robert A Fowler |
Journal | Emerging infectious diseases
(Emerg Infect Dis)
Vol. 26
Issue 6
Pg. 1102-1112
(Jun 2020)
ISSN: 1080-6059 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 32213260
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Systematic Review)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Antiviral Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Coronavirus Infections
(drug therapy, virology)
- Humans
- Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus
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