Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 mortality in Saudi Arabia

Objectives:To analyze the clinical and epidemiological characteristics for 224 of in-hospital coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mortality cases. This study’s clinical implications provide insight into the significant death indicators among COVID-19 patients and the outbreak burden on the healthcare system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).Methods:A multi-center retrospective cross-sectional study conducted among all COVID-19 mortality cases admitted to 15 Armed Forces hospitals across KSA, from March to July 2020. Demographic data, clinical presentations, laboratory investigations, and complications of COVID-19 mortality cases were collected and analyzed.Results:The mean age was 69.66±14.68 years, and 142 (63.4%) of the cases were male. Overall, 30% of the COVID-19 mortalities occurred in the first 24 hours of hospital admission, while 50% occurred on day 10. The most prevalent comorbidities were diabetes mellitus (DM, 73.7%), followed by hypertension (HTN, 69.6%). Logistic regression for risk factors in all mortality cases revealed that direct mortality cases from COVID-19 were more likely to develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (odds ratio [OR]: 1.75, confidence intervel [CI: 0.89-3.43]; p=0.102) and acute kidney injury (OR: 1.01, CI: [0.54-1.90]; p=0.960).Conclusion:Aging, male gender and the high prevalence of the underlying diseases such as, DM and HTN were a significant death indicators among COVID-19 mortality cases in KSA. Increases in serum ferritin, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and D-dimer levels can be used as indicators of disease progression.     

Association of Overlapped and Un-overlapped Comorbidities with COVID-19 Severity and Treatment Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study from Nine Provinces in China

ObjectiveSeveral COVID-19 patients have overlapping comorbidities. The independent role of each component contributing to the risk of COVID-19 is unknown, and how some non-cardiometabolic comorbidities affect the risk of COVID-19 remains unclear.MethodsA retrospective follow-up design was adopted. A total of 1,160 laboratory-confirmed patients were enrolled from nine provinces in China. Data on comorbidities were obtained from the patients’ medical records. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of the associations between comorbidities (cardiometabolic or non-cardiometabolic diseases), clinical severity, and treatment outcomes of COVID-19.ResultsOverall, 158 (13.6%) patients were diagnosed with severe illness and 32 (2.7%) had unfavorable outcomes. Hypertension (2.87, 1.30–6.32), type 2 diabetes (T2DM) (3.57, 2.32–5.49), cardiovascular disease (CVD) (3.78, 1.81–7.89), fatty liver disease (7.53, 1.96–28.96), hyperlipidemia (2.15, 1.26–3.67), other lung diseases (6.00, 3.01–11.96), and electrolyte imbalance (10.40, 3.00–26.10) were independently linked to increased odds of being severely ill. T2DM (6.07, 2.89–12.75), CVD (8.47, 6.03–11.89), and electrolyte imbalance (19.44, 11.47–32.96) were also strong predictors of unfavorable outcomes. Women with comorbidities were more likely to have severe disease on admission (5.46, 3.25–9.19), while men with comorbidities were more likely to have unfavorable treatment outcomes (6.58, 1.46–29.64) within two weeks.ConclusionBesides hypertension, diabetes, and CVD, fatty liver disease, hyperlipidemia, other lung diseases, and electrolyte imbalance were independent risk factors for COVID-19 severity and poor treatment outcome. Women with comorbidities were more likely to have severe disease, while men with comorbidities were more likely to have unfavorable treatment outcomes.     

Risk factors for hospital admission among COVID-19 patients with diabetes: A study from Saudi Arabia

Objectives:To elucidate the risk factors for hospital admission among COVID-19 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods:This retrospective study was conducted at the Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between May 2020 and July 2020. Out of 7,260 COVID-19 patients, 920 were identified as T2DM. After the exclusion process, 806 patients with T2DM were included in this analysis. Patients’ data were extracted from electronic medical records. A logistic regression model was performed to estimate the risk factors of hospital admission.Results:Of the total of 806 COVID-19 patients with T2DM, 48% were admitted in the hospital, 52% were placed under home isolation. Older age between 70-79 years (OR [odd ratio] 2.56; p=0.017), ≥80 years (OR 6.48; p=0.001) were significantly more likely to be hospitalized compared to <40 years. Similarly, patients with higher HbA1c level of ≥9% compared to <7%; (OR 1.58; p=0.047); patients with comorbidities such as, hypertension (OR 1.43; p=0.048), cardiovascular disease (OR 1.56; p=0.033), cerebrovascular disease (OR 2.38; p=0.016), chronic pulmonary disease (OR 1.51; p=0.018), malignancy (OR 2.45; p=0.025), chronic kidney disease (CKD) IIIa, IIIb, IV (OR 2.37; p=0.008), CKD V (OR 5.07; p=0.007) were significantly more likely to be hospitalized. Likewise, insulin-treated (OR 1.46; p=0.03) were more likely to require hospital admission compared to non-insulin treated patients.Conclusion:Among COVID-19 patients with diabetes, higher age, high HbA1c level, and presence of other comorbidities were found to be significant risk factors for the hospital admission.     

Building capacity of community health centers to overcome data challenges with the development of an agile COVID-19 public health registry: a multistate quality improvement effort

ObjectiveDuring the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, federally qualified health centers rapidly mobilized to provide SARS-CoV-2 testing, COVID-19 care, and vaccination to populations at increased risk for COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. We describe the development of a reusable public health data analytics system for reuse of clinical data to evaluate the health burden, disparities, and impact of COVID-19 on populations served by health centers.Materials and MethodsThe Multistate Data Strategy engaged project partners to assess public health readiness and COVID-19 data challenges. An infrastructure for data capture and sharing procedures between health centers and public health agencies was developed to support existing capabilities and data capacities to respond to the pandemic.ResultsBetween August 2020 and March 2021, project partners evaluated their data capture and sharing capabilities and reported challenges and preliminary data. Major interoperability challenges included poorly aligned federal, state, and local reporting requirements, lack of unique patient identifiers, lack of access to pharmacy, claims and laboratory data, missing data, and proprietary data standards and extraction methods.DiscussionEfforts to access and align project partners’ existing health systems data infrastructure in the context of the pandemic highlighted complex interoperability challenges. These challenges remain significant barriers to real-time data analytics and efforts to improve health outcomes and mitigate inequities through data-driven responses.ConclusionThe reusable public health data analytics system created in the Multistate Data Strategy can be adapted and scaled for other health center networks to facilitate data aggregation and dashboards for public health, organizational planning, and quality improvement and can inform local, state, and national COVID-19 response efforts.     

Comorbidities and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 patients

Objectives:To determine the association between comorbidities and the severity of the disease among COVID-19 patients.Methods:We searched the Cochrane, Medline, Trip, and EMBASE databases from 2019. The review included all available studies of COVID-19 patients published in the English language and studied the clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and disease outcomes from the beginning of the pandemic. Two authors extracted studies characteristics and the risk of bias. Odds ratio (OR) was used to analyze the data with 95% confidence interval (CI).Results:The review included 1,885 COVID-19 patients from 7 observational studies with some degree of bias risk and substantial heterogeneity. A significant association was recorded between COVID-19 severity and the following variables: male (OR= 1.60, 95%CI= 1.05 - 2.43); current smoker (OR=2.06, 95%CI= 1.08 - 3.94); and the presence of comorbidities including hypertension (OR=2.05, 95%CI= 1.56 - 2.70), diabetes (OR=2.46, 95%CI= 1.53 - 3.96), coronary heart disease (OR=4.10, 95%CI= 2.36 - 7.12), chronic kidney disease (OR=4.06, 95%CI= 1.45 - 11.35), and cancer (OR=2.28, 95%CI= 1.08 - 4.81).Conclusions:Comorbidities among COVID-19 patients may contribute to increasing their susceptibility to severe illness. The identification of these potential risk factors could help reduce mortality by identifying patients with poor prognosis at an early stage.     

硫酸羟氯喹联合阿奇霉素治疗难治性普通型新型冠状病毒肺炎的临床疗效及安全性

目的 初步评价硫酸羟氯喹联合阿奇霉素治疗难治性普通型新型冠状病毒肺炎（COVID-19）患者的临床疗效及安全性。方法 回顾性收集2020年3月22日至25日湖北省妇幼保健院光谷院区治疗的11例难治性普通型COVID-19患者资料。联合治疗方案：硫酸羟氯喹200 mg每天3次口服（第1～7天）;阿奇霉素500 mg每天1次口服（第1天）,250 mg每天1次口服（第2～4天）。在给药后第4～10天连续复查咽拭子严重急性呼吸综合征冠状病毒2（SARS-CoV-2）核酸,给药前3 d内及给药后第8天进行血常规等实验室检查。结果 11例COVID-19患者均为普通型,其中7例为SARS-CoV-2核酸检测持续阳性患者,4例为核酸检测复阳患者。联合给药前11例患者的平均病程为50.2 d。治疗过程顺利,给药后第4天咽拭子SARS-CoV-2核酸转阴0例,第5天转阴2例,第6天转阴2例,第7天转阴2例,第8天转阴1例,第9天转阴1例。11例患者均未进展为重型或危重型,未观察到明显不良反应。结论 硫酸羟氯喹联合阿奇霉素方案对于接受多种治疗失败、SARS-CoV-2核酸检测持续阳性的难治性普通型COVID-19患者安全有效。     

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of children with COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia

Objectives:To determine the demographic and clinical characteristics, underlying comorbidities, and outcomes of children with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection.Methods:In this retrospective study, we reported 62 pediatric patients (age <14 years) with confirmed COVID-19 between March 2 and July 1, 2020, at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.Results:Comorbid conditions, including cardiac, neurological, respiratory, and malignant disorders, were reported in 9 patients (14.5%). The most prominent presenting complaints were fever (80.6%) and cough (48.4%). Most of our patients (80.6%) had mild disease, 11.3% had moderate disease, and 8.1% exhibited severe and critical illness. Twenty-one patients (33.9%) were hospitalized, with 4 patients (6.5%) admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit, and 3 (4.8%) patients died.Conclusion:All pediatric age groups are susceptible to COVID-19, with no gender difference. COVID-19 infection may result in critical illness and even mortality in subsets of pediatric patients.     

新型冠状病毒肺炎患者6例临床特征和影像学表现

目的 总结6例新型冠状病毒肺炎（COVID-19）患者的临床特征和影像学表现，为COVID-19早期确诊和临床干预提供依据。方法 选择上海中医药大学附属第七人民医院2020年1月1日至2020年2月22日严重急性呼吸综合征冠状病毒2（SARS-CoV-2）核酸检测阳性的6例COVID-19患者，回顾性分析流行病学史、临床表现、影像学资料和实验室检查。结果 6例患者均有明确的武汉旅行或居住史，4例患者有发热，3例有咳嗽，2例有流涕、咽痛等上呼吸道症状，2例有头痛、肌肉酸痛等全身症状。6例患者胸部CT检查均可见肺部异常表现，病灶均为双侧分布，下肺病灶多于上肺，主要表现为双侧肺野外带多发磨玻璃影、实变影、“铺路石”征及不同程度纤维化。发病后较晚行胸部CT检查可见肺实变和明显纤维化。结论 COVID-19影像学具有一定的特征性表现，结合患者流行病学史、临床表现和SARS-CoV-2核酸检测能早期诊断。     

高压氧治疗老年危重型新型冠状病毒肺炎气管插管患者1例临床效果

目的 报道1例高龄危重型新型冠状病毒肺炎（COVID-19）气管插管患者的高压氧治疗（HBOT）经验,为拓展HBOT在COVID-19治疗中的应用提供参考依据。方法和结果 患者男,87岁,2020年2月3日出现昏迷症状,行胸部CT检查示双肺多发小片状模糊影,2月5日肺泡灌洗液严重急性呼吸综合征冠状病毒2（SARS-CoV-2）核酸检测阳性,确诊COVID-19。经对症、支持治疗后患者病情逐渐稳定,于2月22日拔除气管插管,但因患者无咳嗽、排痰能力于2月24日再次气管插管、呼吸机辅助呼吸,判断病情为危重型。2月29日患者首次接受HBOT,医护人员经专用通道进入高压氧舱全程陪同。HBOT治疗4次后,患者动脉血氧分压（PaO₂）与动脉血二氧化碳分压（PaCO₂）趋向稳定,CO₂潴留现象缓解,肝肾功能有所改善,凝血功能恢复,3月6日查SARS-CoV-2 IgM阴性、SARS-CoV-2 IgG阳性,转入普通病房继续治疗。结论 HBOT有利于缓解危重型COVID-19患者的CO₂潴留现象,对降低机体缺氧损伤、保护重要脏器功能有积极作用。整体HBOT感染控制程序可行,通过合理设计能够保障医务人员安全。     

武汉市COVID-19住院患者急性肾损伤的发生：287例单中心回顾性分析

ObjectiveTo assess the predictors and outcomes of acute kidney injury (AKI) among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).MethodsThis retrospective observational study was conducted among patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 admitted to Hankou Hospital between January, 5 and March 8, 2020. We evaluated the association of AKI with the demographic and biochemical parameters and clinical outcomes of the patients using univariate regression analysis.ResultsAtotal of 287 COVID-19 patients, including 55 with AKI and 232 without AKI, were included in the analysis. Compared with the patients without AKI, the patients with AKI were older, predominantly male, and were more likely to have hypoxia and pre-existing hypertension and cerebrovascular diseases. The patients with AKI also had higher levels of white blood cells, D-dimer, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, a higher prevalence of hyperkalemia, lower lymphocyte counts, and higher chest computed tomographic scores. The incidence of stage 1 AKI was 14.3% and that of stage 2 or 3 AKI was 4.9%. The patients with AKI had much higher mortality rate than those without AKI.ConclusionsAKI is an important complication of COVID-19. An older age, a male gender, multiple pre- existing comorbidities, lymphopenia, increased infection indicators, elevated D-dimer, and impaired heart and liver functions are all potential risk factors ofAKI. COVID- 19 patients with AKI that progresses into stages 2 or 3 AKI have a high mortality rate. Prevention of AKI and monitoring kidney function is critical in the care of COVID-19 patients.     

6例确诊新型冠状病毒肺炎患者临床特征分析

目的 分析新型冠状病毒肺炎（COVID-19）确诊患者的临床特征及流行病学特征,探讨该病早期识别与诊断的方法与经验。方法 归纳截至2020年2月12日海军军医大学（第二军医大学）长海医院感染科6例确诊COVID-19患者的流行病学特征、症状、体征、实验室检查及影像学检查结果,总结其特点与规律。结果 6例确诊COVID-19患者中男5例,女1例。青年患者2例,年龄分别为28、29岁;中老年患者4例,年龄分别为45、62、71、75岁。6例患者起病前均有明确的流行病学接触史,其中2例为家庭聚集性病例。临床表现均以发热和呼吸道症状为主,临床分型均为普通型。6例患者经上海市杨浦区疾病预防控制中心严重急性呼吸综合征冠状病毒2核酸检测均为阳性,实验室检查提示白细胞计数5例正常,1例略降低;淋巴细胞计数3例减少,3例正常。未见其他呼吸道病原体感染证据。6例患者CT检查结果均具有磨玻璃样或双侧斑片状影等典型病毒性肺炎特征。结论 COVID-19传染性很强,人群普遍易感,尽早识别感染者并隔离传染源是防止病毒传播的重要手段。流行病学史仍然是COVID-19诊断的重中之重,CT联合病毒PCR核酸检测是确诊COVID-19的有效方法。     

Symptomatic and Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Follow-up of Neutralizing Antibody Levels

ObjectiveTo investigate neutralizing antibody levels in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at 6 and 10 months after disease onset.MethodsBlood samples were collected at three different time points from 27 asymptomatic individuals and 69 symptomatic patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Virus-neutralizing antibody titers against SARS-CoV-2 in both groups were measured and statistically analyzed.ResultsThe symptomatic and asymptomatic groups had higher neutralizing antibodies at 3 months and 1–2 months post polymerase chain reaction confirmation, respectively. However, neutralizing antibodies in both groups dropped significantly to lower levels at 6 months post-PCR confirmation.ConclusionContinued monitoring of symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals with COVID-19 is key to controlling the infection.     

上海2株严重急性呼吸综合征冠状病毒2的分离与鉴定

目的 从新型冠状病毒肺炎（COVID-19）患者鼻/咽拭子样本中分离、培养严重急性呼吸综合征冠状病毒2（SARS-CoV-2）。方法 将来自上海市COVID-19患者的3份鼻/咽拭子样本以TPCK胰酶处理,然后接种Vero E6细胞;待大部分细胞出现明显病变时,取细胞培养上清用qRT-PCR法检测病毒核酸,并用反转录PCR扩增病毒受体结合区（RBD）基因片段;将病毒扩增培养后感染接种于96孔板中的Vero E6细胞,观察细胞病变效应,并用免疫荧光法检测病毒蛋白。结果 2份COVID-19患者鼻/咽拭子样本接种的Vero E6细胞出现明显细胞病变效应,细胞培养上清中检测出新复制产生的SARS-CoV-2核酸,扩增出的RBD序列与早期分离出的SARS-CoV-2相应序列完全一致;病毒感染的Vero E6细胞病变迅速,并能与SARS-CoV-2核衣壳蛋白（N蛋白）单克隆抗体、刺突蛋白（S蛋白）单克隆抗体及COVID-19患者恢复期血清发生反应。结论 从2份COVID-19患者鼻/咽拭子样本中成功分离出SARS-CoV-2,为后续开展SARS-CoV-2感染与致病机制研究、防治药物与疫苗的研发奠定了基础。     

Prevalence of COVID-19 antibodies among operating room and critical care staff at a tertiary teaching hospital: A cross-sectional study

Objectives:To identify the prevalence of COVID-19 antibodies among operating room and critical care staff.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 319 Healthcare workers employed in the operation theater and intensive care unit of King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), a tertiary teaching hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia between August 9, 2020 and November 2, 2020. All participants completed a 20-item questionnaire on demographic data and COVID-19 risk factors and provided blood samples. Antibody testing was performed using an in-house enzyme immunoassay and microneutralization test.Results:Of the 319 participants, 39 had detectable COVID-19 antibodies. Five of them had never experienced any symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, and only 19 were previously diagnosed with COVID-19. The odds of developing COVID-19 or having corresponding antibodies increased if participants experienced COVID-19 symptoms (odds ratio [OR], 3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-7.5) or reported contact with an infected family member (OR, 5.3; 95% CI, 2.5-11.2). Disease acquisition was not associated with employment in the ICU and involvement in the intubation of or close contact with COVID-19 patients. Of the 19 previously diagnosed participants, 6 did not possess any detectable COVID-19 antibodies.Conclusions:Healthcare workers may have undiagnosed COVID-19, and those previously infected may not have long-lasting immunity. Therefore, hospitals must continue to uphold strict infection control during the COVID-19 pandemic.     

基于改进传染病动力学易感-暴露-感染-恢复（SEIR）模型预测新型冠状病毒肺炎疫情

目的 研究基于传染病动力学易感-暴露-感染-恢复（SEIR）模型对新型冠状病毒肺炎（COVID-19）疫情发展情况的预测效果,为有效应对疫情提供指导。方法 利用Python爬虫自动更新功能获取中华人民共和国国家卫生健康委员会公布的疫情数据,通过改进传染病动力学SEIR模型,自动修正COVID-19基本再生数（R₀）,对中国湖北省和韩国的COVID-19疫情发展趋势进行预测。结果 模型预测的湖北省COVID-19疫情顶点在2020年2月21日,现有确诊病例数约为50 000例（2月19日）,预计疫情将于3月4日回落至30 000例以下,并在5月10日左右结束。中华人民共和国国家卫生健康委员会公布的实际数据显示,确诊人数顶点为53 371例。模型预测的韩国疫情峰值在3月7日,将于4月底结束。结论 改进的传染病动力学SEIR模型在COVID-19疫情早期实现了较准确的数据预测,政府相关部门在疫情中及时、有效的强力干预明显影响了疫情的发展进程,东亚其他国家如韩国的疫情在3月仍处于上升期,提示中国需要提防输入性疫情风险。     

Development and validation of prediction models for mechanical ventilation,renal replacement therapy,and readmission in COVID-19 patients

ObjectiveCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients are at risk for resource-intensive outcomes including mechanical ventilation (MV), renal replacement therapy (RRT), and readmission. Accurate outcome prognostication could facilitate hospital resource allocation. We develop and validate predictive models for each outcome using retrospective electronic health record data for COVID-19 patients treated between March 2 and May 6, 2020.Materials and MethodsFor each outcome, we trained 3 classes of prediction models using clinical data for a cohort of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2)–positive patients (n = 2256). Cross-validation was used to select the best-performing models per the areas under the receiver-operating characteristic and precision-recall curves. Models were validated using a held-out cohort (n = 855). We measured each model’s calibration and evaluated feature importances to interpret model output.ResultsThe predictive performance for our selected models on the held-out cohort was as follows: area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve—MV 0.743 (95% CI, 0.682-0.812), RRT 0.847 (95% CI, 0.772-0.936), readmission 0.871 (95% CI, 0.830-0.917); area under the precision-recall curve—MV 0.137 (95% CI, 0.047-0.175), RRT 0.325 (95% CI, 0.117-0.497), readmission 0.504 (95% CI, 0.388-0.604). Predictions were well calibrated, and the most important features within each model were consistent with clinical intuition.DiscussionOur models produce performant, well-calibrated, and interpretable predictions for COVID-19 patients at risk for the target outcomes. They demonstrate the potential to accurately estimate outcome prognosis in resource-constrained care sites managing COVID-19 patients.ConclusionsWe develop and validate prognostic models targeting MV, RRT, and readmission for hospitalized COVID-19 patients which produce accurate, interpretable predictions. Additional external validation studies are needed to further verify the generalizability of our results.     

Impact of COVID-19 on cancer management in military hospitals of Saudi Arabia

Objectives:To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on cancer management in Saudi Arabia’s military hospitals.Methods:This multi-centric, retrospective study compared cancer patients diagnosed from February-July 2019 and 2020, focusing on the time duration for acceptance and time for oncologic treatment initiation. Eligibility and referral status were recorded. Clinical data of COVID-19-positive cancer patients were collected and evaluated their outcomes and survival.Results:Data of 1574 cancer patients (mean age, 57.1 years) were collected. Mean time for acceptance was 7.3 days in 2019 and 8 days in 2020, with no statistically significant difference. Mean time for oncology treatment initiation was 38.4 days in 2019 and 44.3 days in 2020, with no statistically significant difference. The number of new cancer patients decreased in 2020 but increased in peripheral hospitals. It decreased in Riyadh and Jeddah hospitals. Concerning referral status, a statistically significant modification was recorded only in Riyadh and Tabuk hospitals. No significant changes observed in time duration for acceptance of new patients and oncology treatment initiation from 2019-2020. A total of 76 COVID-19-positive cancer patients recorded; 72% were symptomatic, 73.6% recovered, 22.3% died due to COVID-19 complications, and 8% died due to cancer; cancer progressed in 7 patients.Conclusion:COVID-19 did not affect oncology service in Saudi Arabia’s military hospitals. New cancer cases reduced during the pandemic. Cancer patients are at increased risk for COVID-19 complications, including death.     

Potential of Malawi's medicinal plants in Covid-19 disease management: A review

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has triggered an international pandemic that has led to significant public health problems. To date, limited evidence exists to suggest that drugs are effective against the disease. As possible treatments are being investigated, herbal medicines have shown potential for producing novel antiviral agents for the COVID-19 disease.AimThis review explored the potential of Malawi''s traditional medicinal plants for the management of COVID-19.MethodsThe authors searched on PubMed and Google scholar for medicinal plants that are used in Malawi and published in openly available peer reviewed journals. Plants linked with antiviral treatment, anti-COVID-19 activity or COVID-19 symptoms management were targeted. These included activity against pneumonia, inflammation, cough, difficulty in breathing, pain/aches, fever, diarrhoea, rheumatism, fatigue, asthma, immunocompromised and cardiovascular diseases.Results11 studies were found with 306 plant species. 127 plant species had at least one COVID-19 related pharmacological activity. Of these plant species, the number of herbal entities used for each indication was: pain/aches (87), fever (2), pneumonia (9), breathing/asthma problems (5), coughing (11), diarrhoea (1), immunosuppression (8), blood issues (10), fatigue (2), heart problems (11), inflammation (8), rheumatism (10) and viral diseases (12). Thirty (30) species were used for more than one disease and Azedarachta indica topped the list (6 of the 13 COVID-19 related diseases). The majority of the species had phytochemicals known to have antiviral activity or mechanisms of actions linked to COVID-19 and consequent diseases'' treatment pathways.ConclusionMedicinal plants are a promising source of compounds that can be used for drug development of COVID-19 related diseases. This review highlights potential targets for the World Health Organization and other research entities to explore in order to assist in controlling the pandemic.