Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

May 8, 2020

Observational Study of Hydroxychloroquine in Hospitalized Patients with Covid-19

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  • Geleris et al. conducted an observational study of the association between hydroxychloroquine use and intubation or death among 1,446 consecutive patients at a large medical center in New York City. During a median follow-up of 22.5 days, 59% received hydroxychloroquine either within 24 or 48 hours after presentation to the emergency department, and 25% experienced a primary endpoint (either intubation or death). Those who were treated with hydroxychloroquine were more severely ill at baseline than those were not. 
  • There was no association between hydroxychloroquine use and intubation or death (HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.82-1.32). While the results do not support either benefit or harm from hydroxychloroquine, the authors recognize the limitations of the observational design and emphasize the need for randomized trial evidence. 

Geleris et al. (May 7, 2020). Observational Study of Hydroxychloroquine in Hospitalized Patients with Covid-19. The New England Journal of Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2012410