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    HCQ use unlikely to prevent Covid infection: Study

    Synopsis

    The randomised double-blind placebo trial was to study the efficacy of the controversial but commonly used drug in post-exposure prophylaxis — or as a preventive measure in high-risk contacts such as those who were living with a Covid-19 positive patient.

    Hydroxychloroquine study row: Here's everything you should know
    Mumbai: Use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) did not prevent infection in people who took the drug after they had come in contact with a patient already tested positive for Covid-19, according to a study published in the New England Medical Journal (NEJM) on Wednesday.

    The randomised double-blind placebo trial was to study the efficacy of the controversial but commonly used drug in post-exposure prophylaxis — or as a preventive measure in high-risk contacts such as those who were living with a Covid-19 positive patient.

    It had recruited 821 participants of which 719 said they had exposure to a confirmed Covid-19 patient.

    “After high-risk or moderaterisk exposure to Covid-19, hydroxychloroquine did not prevent illness compatible with Covid-19 or confirmed infection when used as post-exposure prophylaxis within four days after exposure,” the researchers wrote.

    Most participants were not tested to determine if they turned Covid-19 positive through a RTPCR test, because of a shortage of test kits. The researchers based their decision that the participants in trial got the disease through symptoms displayed.

    The researchers led by David R Boulware, however, did not rule out a marginal possible benefit from prophylaxis in a more atrisk group, but they cautioned that the potential risks (possible heart failure) might also increase and essentially negate any benefits that were not shown in the current trial that largely involved a younger population.

    “We acknowledge this trial has limitations. Because of lack of availability of diagnostic testing in US, a vast majority of the participants were unable to access testing. Thus, a priori symptomatic case definition was used,” they wrote in their concluding remarks.


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    ( Originally published on Jun 05, 2020 )
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