SARS-CoV-2 Viral dynamics

Background: Cases of undiagnosed pneumonia have emerged, and sequencing of respiratory samples indicated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19. Patients with higher viral load and lower Ct values tend to have progressive disease and severe lung injury. The objective of this study is to describe the clinical manifestation and disease outcomes of COVID-19 patients in relation to their Ct values.

Methods: A retrospective, single-center observational study was performed, including patients admitted to King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC) Riyadh in one month in 2020 and have a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. The Ct value was identified to determine the viral load. All patients were treated according to KFSH&RC guidelines. Patients were divided into HCQ/AZI and non HCQ/AZI treated groups.

Results: There were many days where Ct values were not available. An attempt at imputing information for missing Ct values was made using logic. The logic lead...