Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital will be able to treat about 15 COVID-19 patients per day with monoclonal antibody treatment starting next week.
After taking part in clinical trials last fall with inpatients, the health system launched a small scale out patient clinic at Butterworth Hospital after the Food & Drug Administration gave emergency use authorization.
The infusion treatment features Eli Lilly’s Bamlanivimab and Regeneron’s Casirivimab and Imdevimab combination.
Dr. Gordana Simeunovic, Spectrum Health infectious disease expert, says the antibody treatment is crucial for patients who haven't gotten the vaccine or don't plan to.
"They're very important because they are the only treatment that can be used on out patients, who are not hospitalized. If we use them properly, they can prevent hospitalization," Simeunovic said.
The treatment takes about three hours and is meant for people who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are at high-risk for developing severe symptoms.
To be considered for this treatment option, patients must be 12 years of age or older and meet the following initial criteria:
- Positive COVID-19 test
- COVID-19 related symptoms have been present for less than 10 days
- Patient is not hospitalized
- One or more of the following risk factors for disease progression:
- Significant immunosuppression
- Morbid obesity
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Chronic kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Lung disease
- Age 65 and older
Anyone who meets criteria can contact the COVID-19 Infusion Clinic for possible treatment at 616.391.0351 or covid19research@spectrumhealth.org
The antibody treatment does not prevent patients from getting a COVID-19 vaccine. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention just recommends waiting 90 days after you receive MAB to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
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