ABSTRACT
Background@#The lack of effective medications for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to a trend of drug repurposing such as the case of azithromycin which shows immunomodulatory and anti-viral effect. Several clinical trials have shown conflicting results. It is currently unclear whether the available evidence is in favor or against the use of azithromycin in COVID-19 patients. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of azithromycin in COVID-19 patients. @*Methods@#Four independent reviewers selected relevant studies from PubMed, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, and ProQuest published prior to March 2021. The protocol used in this study has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020224967). @*Results@#We included 17 studies and found that the mortality rate (odds ratio [OR], 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76–1.19), need of respiratory support (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 0.98–1.73), hospitalization rate (standardized mean difference, 0.12; 95% CI, –0.02 to 0.27), and intensive care unit transfer (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.79–1.86) of azithromycin-treated group did not differ significantly (p>0.05) from those of the control group. Azithromycin treatment did not significantly increase the risk of getting secondary infection (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.83–1.82), hypoglycemia (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.38–1.40), gastrointestinal problems (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.73–1.45) or electrocardiogram abnormalities (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.94–1.42). The overall quality of evidence ranged from low to very low. @*Conclusion@#Azithromycin did not result in a superior clinical improvement in COVID-19 patients, although it was well-tolerated and safe to use.
ABSTRACT
Background@#The lack of effective medications for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to a trend of drug repurposing such as the case of azithromycin which shows immunomodulatory and anti-viral effect. Several clinical trials have shown conflicting results. It is currently unclear whether the available evidence is in favor or against the use of azithromycin in COVID-19 patients. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of azithromycin in COVID-19 patients. @*Methods@#Four independent reviewers selected relevant studies from PubMed, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, and ProQuest published prior to March 2021. The protocol used in this study has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020224967). @*Results@#We included 17 studies and found that the mortality rate (odds ratio [OR], 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76–1.19), need of respiratory support (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 0.98–1.73), hospitalization rate (standardized mean difference, 0.12; 95% CI, –0.02 to 0.27), and intensive care unit transfer (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.79–1.86) of azithromycin-treated group did not differ significantly (p>0.05) from those of the control group. Azithromycin treatment did not significantly increase the risk of getting secondary infection (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.83–1.82), hypoglycemia (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.38–1.40), gastrointestinal problems (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.73–1.45) or electrocardiogram abnormalities (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.94–1.42). The overall quality of evidence ranged from low to very low. @*Conclusion@#Azithromycin did not result in a superior clinical improvement in COVID-19 patients, although it was well-tolerated and safe to use.
ABSTRACT
The prevalence of dental decay is expected to rise in many developing countries due to the growing consumption of sugars. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices of sweet food and beverage consumption among schoolchildren in Jazan, Saudi Arabia and to determine the relationship with dental caries. In a cross-sectional, descriptive study 853 children aged 6-15 years [520 boys and 333 girls] were assessed by questionnaire and clinical examinations. Caries prevalence [>/= 1 dft/DMFT] was high [91.3%]. While knowledge was generally good, 83.5% boys and 85.8% girls had poor attitudes to sweet foods and > 90% frequently consumed sweet foods/beverages. Multiple regression analysis showed that children whose mothers were less educated [OR 2.46; 95% CI: 1.15-5.28] and children with poor dietary attitudes and practices [OR 4.05; 95% CI: 2.33-7.03 and OR 7.80; 95% CI: 4.50-13.52 respectively] were more likely to have dental caries. Well-directed health promotion programmes are needed in Jazan