COVID infusion clinic update

Monoclonal antibody therapy still available for COVID patients

Over the last six months our Infusion team has provided monoclonal antibody therapy to COVID-positive patients at the off-campus Parkside clinic location. The FDA adjusted the EUA throughout this time and we are now administering the current recommended combination casirivimab and imdevimab, which is believed to be more effective against variant strains.

Recently we’ve seen more mild disease with vaccinated patients. Our outcomes below show that we are making a difference in the community and want to be sure you are aware that this treatment continues to be available for your patients.

Clinic Outcomes, Dec. 10, 2020 through June 30, 2021

248 total referrals (91 ordering providers).

1. One infusion reaction – moderate itching. Patient able to complete the infusion after receiving diphenhydramine and dexamethasone.

2. 176 patients have received treatment

a. 152 recovered from their symptoms without ED or hospital admission, 86%

b. 24 patients had subsequent visits for worsening symptoms including:

         - 10 hospital admissions including 1 death
         - 8 ED visits without admission
         - 6 outpatient visits

3. 70 patients have declined treatment

a. 45 recovered from their symptoms, 64%

b. 25 had subsequent visits for worsening symptoms including:

         - 14 hospital admissions including 1 death
         - 3 ED visits without admission
         - 8 outpatient visits

Resources:

• The Epic order number for monoclonal antibody infusion treatment is CON1187 and has links to the FAQ to be given to patients. This is currently available in English and Spanish. The FAQ should be reviewed with the patient prior to referral.
• Patient must meet the qualifying criteria found in the Epic order CON1187 and on this paper order form.
• FDA news release on EUA changes
• FDA Fact sheet for Health Care Providers: Emergency Use Authorization of Casirivmab and Imdevimab

• Contact 503-814-4638 for scheduling questions. This is our main infusion number answered by the scheduling and authorization team. If a clinical question comes up, they will route to our ANM or charge nurse.
  
  

Reminders:

• This infusion works best when administered as early as possible during the disease process. Although the EUA allows for patients to be seen until day 10 of symptom onset, the patients that are seeing the best outcomes with the treatment are those that receive the infusion by day 7 or 8.
• This treatment is not available anywhere else in the hospital. The intent of this treatment is for mild to moderate COVID-19 to PREVENT disease progression and reduce the patients we see in our ED and IP settings. It can be administered in an outpatient-only setting. It is not available in the ED.  
• The Parkside Infusion Clinic offers appointments within 0-4 days of referral and continues to adjust clinic days as needed to respond to needs.