April 16, 2024
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OSF using COVID-19 treatment for high-risk patients with mild symptoms

By Shaw Local News Network
OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa is one of three local OSF facilities. The facilities have seen an increase in COVID-19 patients and have an emergency operations plan in place for each hospital, should a surge occur, said Paul Arco, media relations coordinator for OSF.

OSF. St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa (Scott Anderson)

Bamlanivimab, or BAM, was approved as a treatment for high-risk adult and pediatric COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate symptoms back in November.

This drug is being administered at specially designated outpatient infusion sites through OSF HealthCare. OSF Saint Elizabeth in Ottawa has treated approximately 40 patients with BAM since November. Combining all of OSF HealthCare’s servicers, they have treated 672 patients.

“The goal is to keep patients out of the hospital,” said Dr. Rosborough, chief medical officer of OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center. “So far, it appears the treatment is being well-tolerated and patients are responding favorably.”

Dr. Sherine Hanna, medical director of surgical services for OSF HealthCare St. Paul Medical Centers, was in search of a treatment for her father, who had tested positive for COVID-19 according to a Monday news release.

“He called me and said, ‘I’m not coming over for Thanksgiving. I don’t feel right.’ He doesn’t usually complain,” Hanna said in the news release. “I suggested he and my mom get tested. Any cold at this time is not good.”

Hanna was concerned because of various health issues her father has that made him high-risk. She took her father to OSF St. Elizabeth, and he was scheduled for infusion therapy Nov. 27.

Hanna said his turnaround was amazing, as he went home later that day, requiring no oxygen.

OSF Vice President of Physician Services Mark Meeker said OSF estimates it has prevented as many as 60 patients from being hospitalized thanks to the treatment.