logo
SARS

144 SARS Treatment

Chapter 9: SARS Treatment

Loletta Kit-Ying SO

Arthur Chun-Wing LAU

Loretta Yin-Chun YAM

The treatment of coronavirus-associated SARS has been evolving and so far there is no consensus on an optimal regimen. This chapter reviews the diverse treatment experience and controversies to date, and aims to consolidate our current knowledge and prepare for a possible resurgence of the disease.

Treatment strategies for SARS were first developed on theoretical bases and from clinical observations and inferences. Prospective randomized controlled treatment trials were understandably lacking during the first epidemic of this novel disease. The mainstream therapeutic interventions for SARS involve broad-spectrum antibiotics and supportive care, as well as antiviral agents and immunomodulatory therapy. Assisted ventilation in a non-invasive or invasive form would be instituted in SARS patients complicated by respiratory failure.