Role of ivermectin in hospitalized patients with mild to moderate COVID-19

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> The management of COVID-19 has been evolving with a variety of spectrum of drugs. Except for steroids, no therapy to date has shown to improve the survival of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Ivermectin is an inexpensive drug that has shown promising results in the treatment of COVID-19. <b>Objectives:</b> To evaluate the role of ivermectin on symptomatic improvement and duration of hospitalization in mild to moderate COVID-19 infection at a tertiary care centre. <b>Methods:</b> Case control study was done on patients treated with ivermectin along with standard treatment for mild to moderate COVID-19 pneumonia at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan from October 2020 to January 2021. The control group (group A) received standard treatment (steroids and vitamin C) while the cases (group B) received three doses of 12mg ivermectin along with standard treatment. <b>Results:</b> A total of 132 patients (67 in Group A, 65 in Group B) were enrolled with mild to moderate COVID-19 pneumonia with a mean age of 58(SD±12) years. Baseline characteristics were the same in both groups. Hypertension (44.69%, n=59) was the most common comorbid condition followed by diabetes mellitus (37.12%, n=49). The mean duration of hospital stay was 4.68(SD±1.7) days in group A and 4.39(SD±1.9) days in group B. Clinical deterioration and assisted ventilation were required in 6 (8.95%) patients of group A and 5 (7.69%) patients in group B. <b>Conclusion:</b> No significant reduction in the duration of hospital stay and no symptomatic improvement was seen in patients with the use of ivermectin in mild to moderate COVID-19 pneumonia along with standard treatment.&nbsp;A randomized control trial is required to obtain further objective evidence.