Alternative therapies for viral infections caused by SARS-Cov-2 / Terapias alternativas para infecções virais causadas pelo SARS-Cov-2

Abstract Introduction The relevance of the studied topic lies in the complexity of the treatment of infection caused by SARS-CoV-2. Objective To discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages of alternative treatments compared to conventional medical approaches, and to highlight the importance of collaborative communication between patients and healthcare providers in making informed decisions about alternative treatments of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Methods The research methodology employed literature analysis methods, including bibliographic and bibliosemantic approaches. The study used theoretical, systematic, and statistical methods, including analysis, synthesis, generalization, interpretation, classification, and meta-analysis to explore alternative treatments for SARS-CoV-2 infections, their interrelationships, and statistical trends in incidence. Results The study identifies diverse alternative therapies for treating SARS-CoV-2 infections, highlighting herbal medicine, acupuncture, reflexology, biohacking, homoeopathy, and magnetotherapy. It underscores the potential benefits of herbal remedies like garlic, ginger, chamomile, and honeysuckle, as well as vitamins (C, D, B12) and minerals (zinc, selenium) in managing COVID-19 symptoms. Conclusion While of-fering holistic benefits, these therapies warrant cautious consideration due to limited scientific backing and potential interactions. Cultural understanding, patient-provider dialogue, and informed choices are key in harnessing the potential of alternative medicine along-side conventional approaches for managing COVID-19 challenges.

Resumo Introdução A relevância do tema estudado reside na comple-xidade do tratamento da infeção causada pelo SARS-CoV-2. Objetivo Discutir as potenciais vantagens e desvantagens dos tratamentos alternativos em comparação com as abordagens médicas convencionais e realçar a importância da comunicação colaborativa entre os doentes e os prestadores de cuidados de saúde na tomada de decisões informadas sobre os tratamentos alternativos do vírus SARS-CoV-2. Métodos A metodologia de investigação utilizou métodos de análise da literatura, incluindo abordagens bibliográficas e bibliosemânticas. O estudo utilizou métodos teóricos, sistemáticos e estatísticos, incluindo análise, síntese, generalização, interpretação, classificação e meta-aná-lise para explorar tratamentos alternativos para as infecções por SARS-CoV-2, suas inter-relações e tendências estatísticas da incidência. Resultados O estudo identifica diversas terapias alternativas para o tratamento das infecções por SARS-CoV-2, destacando a fitoterapia, a acupunctura, a reflexologia, o biohacking, a homeopatia e a magnetoterapia. Sublinha os potenciais benefícios dos remédios à base de plantas como o alho, o gengibre, a camomila e a madressilva, bem como das vitaminas (C, D, B12) e dos minerais (zinco, selénio) na gestão dos sintomas da COVID-19. Conclusão Embora ofereçam benefícios holísticos, estas terapias devem ser consideradas com cautela devido ao apoio científico limitado e às potenciais interações. A compreensão cultural, o diálogo paciente-prove-dor e as escolhas informadas são fundamentais para aproveitar o potencial da medicina alternativa juntamente às abordagens convencionais para gerir os desafios da COVID-19.

The Association between Patent Ductus Arteriosus and Perinatal Infection in A Group of Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants.

OBJECTIVE: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is an extremely common occurrence in very premature infants. Untreated symptomatic PDA may be associated with chronic lung disease. PDA has a major role in neonatal mortality and morbidity. We compared the efficacy and safety of oral versus intravenous ibuprofen for the pharmacological closure of PDA in low birth weight (LBW) preterm infants. METHODS: A randomized, single-blinded, controlled study was performed on premature neonates at the neonatal unit, University Hospital for Obstetrics and Gynecology "Koço Gliozheni", Tirana, Albania from January 2010 to December 2012. The study enrolled 68 preterm infants with a confirmed and significant PDA. The preterm infants received either intravenous or oral ibuprofen randomly as an initial dose of 10 mg/kg, followed by 5 mg/kg at 24 and 48 h. Findings : 36 patients were treated with oral ibuprofen and 32 with intravenous ibuprofen during this period. After the first course of the treatment, the PDA closed in 30 (83.3%) of the patients assigned to the oral ibuprofen group versus 23 (71.8%) of those enrolled in the intravenous ibuprofen group (P=0.355). 15 patiens needed a second treatment course and they all (100%) had clinical signs of infection and positive blood culture. There was no reopening of the ductus after the closure. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that, for LBW infants, the rate of early ductal closure was comparable and the adverse effects were fewer with oral ibuprofen in comparison to the intravenous route. Association of PDA with perinatal infection has a negative impact in pharmacological closure of the ductus, increasing the need for a second course of treatment or for surgery.