An additional high oral loading dose of baricitinib improves clinical
outcome in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia
Abstract
Baricitinib is a promising drug in COVID-19 pneumonia. The aim of this
study is to compare the clinical outcome of moderate-to-severe COVID-19
pneumonia treated with baricitinib with or without a loading dose. This
prospective case-control study enrolled 37 adult patients where 17
patients (control) received baricitinib at 4 mg oral daily dose and 20
patients (case) received an additional single 8 mg oral loading dose.
The median day to gain blood oxygen saturation level ≥ 95% (in room
air) and return in normal breathing function were lower in case group
than the control group [29.4% (n = 17)/10% (n = 20), P <
0.05; 11.8% (n = 17)/5% (n = 20), P > 0.05),
respectively]. The requirement of intensive care unit and mechanical
ventilation support were higher in control group than the case group.
Thus, an additional loading dose of baricitinib revealed better clinical
outcome in COVID-19 pneumonia.