loading page

Assessment of COVID-19 Treatment containing both Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin: A Natural Clinical Trial
  • +5
  • Hassan M Abbas,
  • Ali Azeez Al-Jumaili,
  • Kawthar F Nassir,
  • Muhammed Waheeb Al-Obaidy,
  • Adnan Mohammed Al Jubouri,
  • Basim Dhawi Dakhil,
  • Mohammed Mahir Abdulelah,
  • Qutaiba Ahmed Al Khames
Hassan M Abbas
Iraq Ministry of Health

Corresponding Author:drhaltemimi@dr.com

Author Profile
Ali Azeez Al-Jumaili
University of Baghdad Bab Al-Moadham Campus College of Pharmacy
Author Profile
Kawthar F Nassir
Baghdad Medical City
Author Profile
Muhammed Waheeb Al-Obaidy
University of Baghdad Bab al-Moadham Campus College of Medicine
Author Profile
Adnan Mohammed Al Jubouri
University of Baghdad Bab al-Moadham Campus College of Medicine
Author Profile
Basim Dhawi Dakhil
Baghdad Medical City
Author Profile
Mohammed Mahir Abdulelah
Baghdad Medical City
Author Profile
Qutaiba Ahmed Al Khames
Philadelphia University Faculty of Pharmacy
Author Profile

Abstract

The goal of this study was to assess the clinical effectiveness and safety profile of the COVID-19 treatment protocol (containing both hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and azithromycin) in an Iraqi specialized hospital. Methods: This prospective study used a pre- and post-intervention design without a comparison group. The intervention was routine Ministry of Health (MOH) approved management of COVID-19 for all patients. The study was conducted in a public healthcare setting in Baghdad, Iraq from March 1st to May 25, 2020. The study outcome measures included the changes in clinical and biochemical parameters during the hospitalization period. Paired t-test and Chi-square test were used to compare the measures of vital signs, lab tests and symptoms before and after treatment. Results: The study included 161 patients who were admitted with positive RT-PCR and clinical symptoms of COVID-19. In terms of severity, 53 (32.9%) patients had mild condition, 47 (29.2%) had moderate condition, 35 (21.7%) had severe condition, and 26 (16.1%) had critical condition. Most patients (84.5%) recovered and were discharged without symptoms after testing negative with RT-PCR, while 11 (6.8%) patients died during the study period. The signs and symptoms of COVID-19 were reduced significantly in response to therapy regimen containing HCQ and azithromycin. The most common reported side effects were stomach pain, hypoglycemia, dizziness, itching, skin rash, QT prolongation, arrhythmia, and conjunctivitis. Conclusions: This natural trial showed that COVID-19 regimen containing both HCQ and azithromycin can be helpful to promote recovery of most patients and reduced their signs and symptoms significantly. It also shows some manageable side effects mostly those related to heart rhythm. In the absence of FDA-approved medications to treat COVID-19, the repurposing of HCQ and azithromycin to control the disease signs and symptoms can be useful.
24 Jun 2020Submitted to International Journal of Clinical Practice
26 Jun 2020Submission Checks Completed
26 Jun 2020Assigned to Editor
28 Jul 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
17 Nov 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
18 Nov 2020Editorial Decision: Accept
24 Nov 2020Published in International Journal of Clinical Practice. 10.1111/ijcp.13856