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Dunkirk Care Facility Plans Treatment For High-Risk COVID Patients

Amid a major increase in positive COVID-19 cases at the Chautauqua Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, officials at the facility announced Friday it will offer monoclonal antibody infusions for the treatment of high-risk COVID-19 patients. It is the same treatment that was given to U.S. President Donald Trump in October.

In the last two weeks, there have been 74 positive cases of COVID-19. Thirty-four infections involve the staff while another 40 are impacting the residents.

In November, the Food and Drug Administration issued emergency use authorization of monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of high-risk patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms at risk for progression to severe illness and hospitalization.

The center has the advanced clinical setting necessary to administer the infusions, as well as a highly skilled nursing staff and on-site medical providers. “The monoclonal antibody infusions have proven to be an effective method of treatment for those who qualify, with many patients showing positive and timely responses,” stated Colleen Hart, Chautauqua Nursing & Rehabilitation Center administrator.

The clinical team at the center has been working closely with its Medical Director, Kent Lieber, MD, to implement protocols for administration and aftercare in concert with those specified in the authorization.

The antibodies are made with proteins created in a laboratory and are designed to mimic the antibodies created in the body’s immune system to ward off the virus and fight infection. The center will receive the compounded medication from PharmScripts on a per-patient basis.

Residents will receive the treatment in-house in the comfort of a familiar environment. The team at the facility provides continuous monitoring in a designated area prior, during and post-infusion.

Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center provides 24-hour skilled nursing care, subacute rehabilitation and short-term respite care. For more information, visit www.chautauquanursing.com.

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