Hydroxy Chloroquine Prophylaxis Experience in Doctor Community with COVID-19 in West Bengal

Abstract

Background The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)National task Force for COVID-19 reviewed the data on in-vitro testing of Hydroxy Chloroquine (HCQ)for antiviral efficacy against SARS-CoV-2, safety profile and recommended it’s use for prophylaxis among health care workers (HCWs). The efficacy of HCQ against Covid -19 has been the subject of contradictory results. Given the need for insights into the clinical outcomes and side effects among doctors on prophylaxis with hydroxychloroquine, we conducted a retrospective analysis of doctors treated at home or hospital with COVID-19 infection.MethodsThe data was collected by direct interview, electronic data transfer from COVID-19 positive doctors using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test from two medical colleges, friends and relatives of doctors who voluntarily provided their illness information during the period of August, 26 to Nov 25, 2020.ResultsA total of 117 doctors participated in study. Out of 117 covid positive doctors, 76 received no HCQ prophylaxis and 41 received prophylaxis till the onset of the symptom. Out of 117 positive doctors, 32(27%) developed moderate to severe (MS) illness. Nine doctors (22%) developed MS in HCQ group and none of them died. Out of no HCQ group 23(30%) developed MS illness and 7(9%) died. There was no statistically significant relation between use of HCQ and outcomes of disease. The most common (22%) side effect of HCQ prophylaxis was related to gastrointestinal system. Conclusions Hydroxy Chloroquine has a disease modifying effect on COVID-19 disease although it is not robust.