Efficacy of hydroxychloroquine in a group of subjectswith SARS-CoV 2 infection

ABSTRACT

Introduction and Aim of the study Hydroxychloroquine has beenauthorized in the therapy of patients with COVID-19. Many publications have not clarified the real efficacy of the drug. Really, thedrug was widely used during the pandemic. A single-center observational cohort study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine therapy in a group of subjects admittedin the sub-intensive therapy of the COVID Unit Hospital F. Miulli(Acquaviva delle Fonti, Bari, Italy) from 17 march to 17 may 2020.Materials and Methods: The data contained in the medicalrecords were studied. The sample was divided into two groups withrespect to therapy with or without hydroxychloroquine'. Clinicaland laboratory data were analyzed.Results: A total of 174 patients hospitalized (60.4% males),mean age 68 yrs, with diagnosis of SARS-CoV2, were analyzed.118 patients were treated with hydroxychloroquine. The treatment group consisted of 66.1% males, mean age 63 years. Thetwo groups were homogeneous in comorbidity and in the severityof clinical presentation of SARS-CoV2 infection. The death ratewas significantly higher in the group of untreated than in thosereceiving hydroxychloroquine, 40% vs 2.6% respectively. Therewere no significant differences on QTc prolongation between thetwo groups (467+47 ms control group, 446 + 35 ms, treatmentgroup).Discussion and Conclusions: The data of our study, although referring to a reduced sample, show the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine in reducing mortality in subjects suffering fromSARS-CoV2 infection.