Evaluation of the prophylactic effect of hydroxychloroquine on people in close-contact with patients with COVID-19. (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shabani, Minoosh; Totonchi, Mehdi; Rezaeimirghaed, Omidvar; Gachkar, Latif; Hajiesmaeili, Mohammadreza; Khoshkar, Ali; Amirdosara, Mahdi; Saffaei, Ali; Shokouhi, Shervin; Mardani, Masoud; Alavi Darazam, Ilad; Karami, Alireza; Sharifi, Milad; Zaman, Mana; Abedheydari, Elham; Sahraei, Zahra
• Is Part Of: Pulmonary pharmacology & therapeutics. Volume 70(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- Coronavirus -- Hydroxychloroquine -- Close contact; Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Chemotherapy -- Periodicals; 615.7205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2021.102069
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1094-5539

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused significant mortality worldwide. The disease attacks the lung tissue and may lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome. An in vitro study showed that hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has a prophylactic effect against COVID-19 due to its anti-inflammatory effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the prophylactic effect of HCQ on individuals in close contact with patients with COVID-19. Method: In this quasi-trial study, we prescribed HCQ for 7 days to all people who had close contact with a patient with COVID-19. All contacts underwent a nasal swab in two steps, and those positive for COVID-19 were excluded from the study. After 14 days of follow-up, the clinical and laboratory manifestations of COVID-19 were evaluated. Results: A total of 113 participants completed the study. The HCQ group comprised 51 (45.13%) contacts, and 62 (54.86%) contacts were allocated to the control group. According to the results of clinical examination and real-time polymerase chain reaction test, 8 (12.90%) contacts in the control group were reported to have contracted COVID-19. In the HCQ group, 7 (13.72%) contacts were confirmed to have contracted COVID-19. There was no relationship between HCQ use and age, sex, underlying disorders, and laboratory data (all p > 0.05). In terms of HCQ side effects, five participants experienced gastrointestinal and cutaneous side effects that subsided on discontinuation of HCQ. Conclusion: The current study showed that HCQ had no prophylactic effect with regard to COVID-19 prevention.