Use of CIGB-258 peptide in a pediatric patient with severe pneumonia due to SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

Introduction: The clinical presentation of the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 is heterogeneous. Patients may be asymptomatic or have mild upper respiratory tract disease, or develop severe pneumonia that can progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome and lead to death. The pathophysiology of severe forms of the disease is characterized by a marked hyperinflammation. Therapies that modulate the immune response can be crucial in treating and preventing this state. The CIGB-258 peptide, brand name Jusvinza, is a therapeutic option for this purpose, due to its immunomodulatory properties.

Objective: Describe the clinical evolution of a pediatric patient with severe pneumonia due to SARS-CoV-2, and treated with the CIGB-258 peptide.

Case Presentation: A 12-year-old adolescent with refractory epilepsy, infantile cerebral palsy, and an epidemiological history of contact with a patient positive to PCR confirmatory test for SARS-CoV-2 who, eight days after contact, shows clinical, radiographic, and laboratory evidence of severe pneumonia due to COVID-19. Within the therapeutic protocol, he received treatment with CIGB-258 immunomodulatory peptide, with a favorable evolution and hospital discharge.

Conclusions: The use of CIGB-258 peptide in the treatment of severe pneumonia due to COVID-19 in pediatrics could contribute to prevent progression to the critical stages of the disease.