Abstract
CONTEXT: Based on the results of preliminary studies, the off-label use of hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 infection has been observed in practice. OBJECTIVES: To identify, systematically assess and summarize the best available evidence on the efficacy and safety of the use of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine for COVID-19 infection. METHODS: Rapid systematic review. RESULTS: After the selection process, 30 studies were included: one open-label randomized trial, one open-label non-randomized trial and 28 ongoing studies. The outcome 'detection of viral load in oral swab' (surrogate outcome) was evaluated by both studies, involving a total of 72 participants. The findings of the studies were discordant: one study observed a higher frequency of negative viral load associated with hydroxychloroquine on day-7, while the other study did not observe any difference between hydroxychloroquine and the control group (standard treatment) on day-6. Both studies have methodological limitations when evaluated by specific tools according to study design (Cochrane Bias Risk Table and ROBINS-I). CONCLUSION: This rapid systematic review identified two clinical studies (with available data), with limited methodological quality, that evaluated the effects of hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 infection. Based on the findings of these two studies, the efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine in patients with COVID-19 is still uncertain (very low evidence certainty) and its routine use for this situation should not be recommended until the results of ongoing studies could provide a proper assessment of their effects.
Highlights
Since December 2019, when the first outbreak of COVID-19 infection was revealed in China (Wuhan, Hubei province), researches have been conducted to discover rapid and accurate diagnosis tests, to develop vaccines and to assess therapeutic options for the treatment and prevention of this disease and its complications, as SARS-Cov-2.In order to scientifically and impartially inform health decision making, a rapid systematic review was developed to map and critically assess the best existing evidence on the use of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine for COVID-19 infection
A randomized clinical trial published in Chinese[10]
Experimental in vitro studies suggest potential antiviral action of hydroxychloroquine against COVID-1912,13, and health authorities are recommending this drug for patients with COVID-19 infection, this rapid systematic review identified mere two studies with available data addressing this question: one open-label non-randomized trial with 42 participants[11] and one open-label randomized trial with 30 participants[10]
Summary
Since December 2019, when the first outbreak of COVID-19 infection was revealed in China (Wuhan, Hubei province), researches have been conducted to discover rapid and accurate diagnosis tests, to develop vaccines and to assess therapeutic options for the treatment and prevention of this disease and its complications, as SARS-Cov-2.In order to scientifically and impartially inform health decision making, a rapid systematic review was developed to map and critically assess the best existing evidence on the use of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine for COVID-19 infection.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
