Clinical evidence of the janus kinase inhibitor baricitinib, which was added in April 2021 as a treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has been accumulated. To evaluate the clinical course of the combination therapy of baricitinib, remdesivir, and corticosteroid on COVID-19 moderate disease in practice, we retrospectively reviewed 54 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 moderate disease II, who were admitted to our hospital and received baricitinib, remdesivir, and corticosteroid. Age, smoking history, FiO2 and blood lymphocyte count on day 7 of baricitinib administration were significantly associated with mortality. Blood lymphocytes on admission, FiO2 on days 1 and 7 of baricitinib administration, and serum LD on day 7 were significantly associated with the need for home oxygen therapy at discharge. Especially for patients with moderate COVID-19 with severe oxygenation, the choice of the anti-inflammatory drug as a combination therapy and the timing of administration require further discussion.

View full abstract