In April 2021, Munson Healthcare began administering a promising form of treatment in the fight against COVID-19: monoclonal antibody (mAb) infusion treatment. Monoclonal antibodies are molecules, produced in a laboratory, and designed to block the virus’s ability to attach to and enter human cells, causing the virus to neutralize.
Early evidence shows that when administered within 10 days of symptom onset, mAb treatment can reduce the amount of the virus in a person’s system, creating milder symptoms and decreasing the likelihood the patient will develop the need for hospitalization. These treatments are approved for Emergency Authorization Use (EAU) by the FDA.
Six months ago, with nationwide use showing that mAb treatment was both effective and well-tolerated, a ready and willing team of MHC oncology infusion nurses and pharmacy personnel took up the charge to provide this life-saving treatment here in northern Michigan. The team connected with other MHC departments and, together, worked through countless hours of logistical planning to ensure the quality care and safety of their existing patients while also assuming the care of COVID-19 positive patients. Recently, the team has also added a subcutaneous administration route, providing additional flexibility in administration, and giving the team the ability to treat more patients in less time.
Mariah Powell, MSN, RN, CMSRN and Manager of Nursing Services at the Infusion Clinic has one powerful remark for mAb treatment. “It works,” said Powell. “Though not an instant fix, most patients are seeing a plateau in symptoms at the time of infusion, with turnaround beginning as soon as 24 to 48 hours later.”
Because of the phenomenal work of the mAb team, nearly 1,400 COVID-19 positive patients were able to recover from COVID-19 at home with their loved ones nearby.
The treatment outcomes speak volumes for the diligence of the infusion teams, who with the recent Delta surge now find themselves faced with the growing challenge of meeting an increased patient need. Powell added, “We realize and acknowledge that this is our way to contribute to the workload of the pandemic and to help alleviate the burden on employees working in the ED and on inpatient units.”
We extend our most sincere gratitude to the outstanding work of the multidisciplinary teams across the MHC system who have contributed to establishing and running this important program — and to each MHC employee who continues to face the pandemic with courage, persistence, and unwavering strength.