Hydroxychloroquine in patients with COVID-19: an open-label, randomized, controlled trial
| Publication | |
| Title | |
| Authors |
|
| Journal | MedRxiv Preprint |
| Date | April 10, 2020 |
Randomized controlled trial in China of 150 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 who received either hydroxychloroquine or standard therapy for 2-3 weeks with a primary endpoint of negative conversion rates at 28 days. There was no significant difference in conversion rates between the two arms, but authors did note greater symptomatic relief in patients who received hydroxychloroquine over standard therapy. Of note, treatment was started an average 16.6 days after symptom onset.
There were no safety concerns observed in the hydroxychloroquine arm and the most common adverse event was diarrhea (10%).
Major Issues
No major issues identified at this time.
Minor Issues
No minor issues identified at this time.
Impact
This study was one of the first randomized controlled trials evaluating effects of hydroxychloroquine on duration of viral shedding in late stage COVID-19. It showed that the antiviral effects of hydroxychloroquine are likely diminutive or non-existent in late stage disease.
Article Revisions
None at this time.