Abstract:

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of different antiviral drugs in the treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods A total of 456 COVID-19 patients admitted to Jincheng People's Hospital from February 2023 to June 2023 were selected for the study. According to the random number method, they were randomly divided into group A (treated with azvudine, n=152), group B (treated with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, n=152) and group C (treated with simnotrelvir/ritonavir, n=152). The clinical efficacy, symptom and sign recovery time, mortality, lung imaging, complete blood count (white blood cell count [WBC], absolute neutrophil count [ANC], and lymphocyte count [LYC]), CT values (mRNA levels) of the ORF1ab and N genes, and adverse events were observed. Results There were no significant differences in the clinical efficacy, symptom and sign recovery time, CT values of the ORF1ab and N genes, mortality, time required for lung imaging improvement, and negative conversion time of nucleic acid testing among groups A, B and C (P>0.05). After treatment, WBC and ANC significantly decreased, and LYC significantly increased in all the three groups, although intergroup comparisons did not show significant differences (P>0.05). The total incidence of adverse events was 15.12%(23/152) in group A, 16.44%(25/152) in group B, and 13.80% (21/152) in group C. There was no significant difference in the total incidence of adverse events among groups A, B and C (P>0.05). Conclusion Azvudine, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, and simnotrelvir/ritonavir have significant antiviral effects against COVID-19, although leading to some adverse events and medication restrictions. Therefore, when using the above drugs in clinical practice, the specific conditions and medication risks of patients should be fully considered, and a strict compliance and medication guidance are essential, aiming to ensure patient's safety and efficacy.

Key words: COVID-19, antiviral agents, treatment outcome