Evidence check
A rapid review outlining the available evidence on a discrete topic or question. Evidence includes grey and peer review literature. View all Evidence Checks by date of publication.
Archive Sotrovimab
Added: 6 Dec 2021
Updated: 21 Jan 2022
What is the evidence for sotrovimab as a treatment for COVID-19?
- Sotrovimab (XEVUDY), is a monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19.
- Sotrovimab is provisionally approved and included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).
- Interim data from a phase 3 trial (COMET-ICE) show the risk of disease progression was reduced by 85%.
Archive Incidental COVID-19
Added: 21 Jan 2022
How are incidental COVID-19 cases being reported internationally, and what is the proportional of incidental COVID-19 cases?
- COVID-19 may be the direct cause for hospitalisation, have an indirect effect (on principal diagnosis and on delivery of care), or be incidental to the reason for hospitalisation.
- The percentage of hospitalisations classified as incidental COVID-19 varies. Internationally, it has been reported as between 12% and 63%.
- Internationally, reporting is often split by COVID-19 positive patients in hospitals or intensive care units admitted for COVID-19 and those admitted for other reasons.
Archive Omicron - symptoms and hospitalised patients
Added: 21 Jan 2022
What are the symptoms associated with Omicron and what is the risk of hospitalisation for Omicron?
- There is currently no information to suggest that Omicron symptoms are different from other SARS-CoV-2 variants, with the most reported symptoms for Omicron being a runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing and a sore throat.
- Reports suggest Omicron is less severe compared to Delta with reduced rates of hospital admission, intensive care unit admission and mortality.
- Early animal and human studies suggest that Omicron replicates faster in human airways however has reduced levels of multiplication and concentration deep in the lung.
Archive Face masks in the community – evidence and international policy during the COVID-19 pandemic
Added: 29 Oct 2021
Updated: 16 Dec 2021
What is the evidence for the effectiveness of face masks in community settings for reducing influenza-like illnesses, including COVID-19?
- Most systematic reviews report benefits in terms of reduction in incidence, hospitalisation and/or mortality.
- The efficacy of protection against respiratory viral infections may vary according to the type of mask used.
- Face masks are often recommended alongside other protective measures including hand hygiene and physical distancing.
Archive Renal dialysis and COVID-19 vaccination
Added: 13 Dec 2021
What is the evidence for the use of SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations in renal dialysis patients?
- Generally, studies have shown SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations are safe and effective in renal dialysis patients, with a substantial humoral response for most patients after two vaccine doses.
- However, the humoral response rate may be lower in renal dialysis patients compared to the general population. This may justify changes to the vaccination schedule for these patients.
- SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are not contraindicated in kidney disease patients and Kidney Health Australia recommends vaccination for people with kidney disease, including patients on dialysis.
Archive Monoclonal antibodies
Added: 13 Dec 2021
What is the evidence for the use of monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID-19?
- Monoclonal antibodies that target surface viral proteins may be used for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has provisionally approved certain monoclonal antibody treatments and the Australian National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce has published living guidance for use.
- A Cochrane review concluded there was insufficient evidence regarding the effectiveness of treatment with monoclonal antibodies including reduced mortality, improved symptoms, admissions to hospital, and serious or unwanted effects.
- Other systematic reviews have reported mixed evidence for reduced mortality, reduced hospitalisations or ICU admissions, progression to ventilation or severe disease, and risk of poor clinical outcomes or adverse events.
Archive Risk mitigation strategies and levers - retired living evidence
Added: 13 Dec 2021
What are risk mitigation strategies and levers to slow the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the community?
- Factors to consider for determining mitigation strategies include the level of community transmission, number and type of outbreaks in specific settings or with vulnerable populations, the severity of the disease, the impact of community transmission on healthcare capacity, public health capacity, community characteristics such as the size of a community and level of engagement and support, and the epidemiology in surround jurisdictions.
- While some strategies are distinct others are unified. While as a strategy, test, trace, isolate and quarantine are generally integrated, we have included these separately in the risk mitigation strategies below to provide clear evidence and examples of each component.
Archive Deep cleans
Added: 19 Apr 2021
Updated: 6 Dec 2021
What is the evidence for fomite transmission and deep cleaning of COVID-19?
- In February 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) noted fomites as a potential route ofCOVID-19 transmission.1 However, in July 2020, an update noted that despite consistent evidence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on certain surfaces, there is no direct evidence of fomitetransmission.
- Despite the low risk of fomite transmission, there continues to be significant investment in deep-cleaning and disinfection to reduce potential surface contamination . A Nature perspective in January 2021 questioned the value of this.
Rapid evidence checks are based on a simplified review method and may not be entirely exhaustive, but aim to provide a balanced assessment of what is already known about a specific problem or issue. This brief has not been peer-reviewed and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement, nor is it an endorsed position of NSW Health. Evidence checks are archived a year after the date of publication.