EFFECT OF REMDESIVIR USE ON PATIENTS' VIRAL LOAD WITH COVID-19: A META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMISED CLINICAL TRIALS

Bruno De Matos Aquino, Carlos Eduardo Coral De Oliveira, Karen Barros Parron Fernandes and Paulo Roberto Bignardi*

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To assess the role of remdesivir in the viral load of patients with COVID-19, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were searched until December 20, 2021. Randomized controlled trials that reported an association between remdesivir use and viral load, clinical recovery, mortality, and serious adverse events were included. Results: Among the 2,028 studies found, seven meet the inclusion criteria, totalling 8,429 patients. In the remdesivir group, there was no difference in the viral load on 5-day of therapy or in the 28-day mortality outcome. However, it was observed a decrease in time to clinical recovery (RR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.07-1.31), and when treatment occurs for up to 10 days, the RR is 1.34 (95% CI 1.13 -1.55). The risk of serious adverse events was lower in the remdesivir group than the control group. Conclusion: This study suggests that remdesivir use did not reduce viral load. Studies with early initiation of the therapy are needed to confirm this finding.

Keywords: Antiviral Agents, COVID-19, Meta-analysis, Remdesivir, SARS-CoV-2, Systematic Review.