• Anna G C Boef, Esther M van Wezel, Lilli Gard, Kala Netkova, Mariëtte Lokate, van der VoortPeter H JPHJDepartment of Critical Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands., NiestersHubert G MHGMDepartment of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands., and Coretta Van Leer Buter.
• Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands. Electronic address: a.g.c.boef@umcg.nl.
• J Crit Care. 2021 Aug 1; 64: 219225219-225.

BackgroundProlonged viral RNA detection in respiratory samples from patients with COVID-19 has been described, but the clinical relevance remains unclear. We studied the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 on a group and individual level in intubated ICU patients.MethodsIn a cohort of 86 patients, we analysed SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR results on nasopharyngeal and sputum samples (obtained as part of clinical care twice a week) according to time after intubation. Subsequently, we performed survival analyses.Results870 samples were tested by RT-PCR. Overall viral load was highest in the first week (median nasopharynx 3.5, IQR 1.5-4.3; median sputum 4.3, IQR 3.3-5.6) and decreased over time. In 20% of patients a relapsing pattern was observed. Nasopharyngeal and sputum PCR status on day 14 was not significantly associated with survival up to day 60 in this small cohort.ConclusionIn general SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels in respiratory samples in patients with severe COVID-19 decrease after the first week after intubation, but individual SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels can show a relapsing pattern. Larger studies are needed to address the association of clearance of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from respiratory samples with survival, because we observed a trend towards better survival in patients with early clearance from sputum.Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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