TREATMENT OF COVID-19 IN ELDERLY PATIENTS: CLINICAL CHALLENGES AND THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES
Keywords:
COVID-19, elderly patients, treatment strategies, clinical management, comorbidities, immunosenescence, antiviral therapy, supportive care.Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains a major global health challenge, particularly among elderly patients who are at increased risk of severe disease, complications, and mortality. Advanced age is frequently associated with multiple comorbidities, immune system dysregulation, and age-related physiological changes, all of which complicate the clinical course of COVID-19 and limit therapeutic options. The management of COVID-19 in elderly patients requires an individualized and comprehensive approach that considers disease severity, comorbid conditions, functional status, and potential drug–drug interactions.
This review summarizes the main clinical challenges encountered in the treatment of COVID-19 in elderly patients and discusses current therapeutic strategies, including antiviral therapy, immunomodulatory agents, anticoagulation, respiratory support, and supportive care. Special attention is given to age-related pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes, polypharmacy, and the increased risk of adverse drug reactions. Understanding these factors is essential for optimizing treatment outcomes and reducing mortality in this vulnerable population.
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