New Delhi: The Kovid-19 National Task Force of the Indian Council of Medical Council (ICMR) has changed the clinical management guidelines for the treatment of adult patients amid increasing cases.
In the new treatment protocol, the apex medical research body cautioned against the irrational use of antibiotics and steroids, while recommending that the possibility of co-infection of Covid with other endemic infections be determined.
“… systemic corticosteroids are not indicated in mild disease,” read the ICMR’s clinical guideline document accessed by Mint.
Also, it does not recommend the use of drugs like lopinavir-ritonavir, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), ivermectin, convalescent plasma, neutralizing monoclonal antibodies, molnupiravir, favipiravir, azithromycin and doxycycline in the treatment of COVID patients.
Many of these drugs, in addition to antibiotics and steroids, were widely prescribed during the first wave of the pandemic in India.
This time the government task force has suggested symptomatic treatment.
Queries sent to ICMR spokesperson remained unanswered.
in a recent interview PeppermintSecretary, Department of Biotechnology, Rajesh Gokhale said that the current surge in India is due to the presence of the XBB.1.16 variant of Covid which is milder. However, its transmission rate is high. In the last 24 hours, India has recorded 918 new Covid-19 infections and 4 deaths.
India is also witnessing an outbreak of H3N2 influenza, which has claimed two lives. The symptoms of both Covid and influenza are similar, leading to a higher risk of co-infection in communities.
With regard to the use of dexamethasone, the expert panel has defined for the first time the appropriate use and duration for patients in a hospital setting. “Dexamethasone 6 mg/day or an equivalent dose of methylprednisolone (32 mg in 4 divided doses) usually for 5 to 10 days or until discharge, whichever comes first,” it said, adding that there is no evidence of benefit at higher doses. .
Also, this High-resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) of the chest is recommended only when the case worsens and not in mild cases. “There is a high potential for risk during the scanning process and it is advised to avoid HRCT if the cases are mild,” said a scientist with knowledge of Covid treatment.
ICMR national co-chairman and former head of epidemiology Raman Gangakhedkar said that people should not self-medicate if they have Covid and flu-like symptoms.
They should consult their doctor and follow Covid appropriate behaviour.
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