In Search for the Truth about Hydroxychloroquine Prophylaxis of Covid-19

Introduction: COVID-19, caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has quickly spread around the world. Currently there is an active search for vaccines and therapeutics, including repurposing of well-known drugs. COVID-19 continues to be a challenge with only a few therapeutic and no chemoprophylactic interventions to combat the virus.

Methods: We aimed to review available data for the application of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) as a chemoprophylactic agent for COVID-19, outline weakness of published trials and assess the objectivity of conclusions regarding the possible benefits of HCQ prophylaxis against the novel coronavirus disease.

Results: Our search turned 15 articles describing trials investigating the application of HCQ as a chemoprophylactic agent for COVID-19. Different cohorts of subjects were used, mainly health care workers exposed to coronavirus patients; people with rheumatic arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus; cases of household transmission.

Conclusions: Trials investigating the potential of HCQ to be a prophylactic agent for SARS-CoV-2 have quite conflicting results. Further research is required in the form of large randomized trials with carefully considered methodological approach which will help avoid limitations making the potential results unreliable.

Author(s):

Elena Filipova, Elitsa Gotseva, Katya Uzunova, Velichka Pavlova, Silvia Hristova and Toni Vekov

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