Critical Appraisal: Hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin as a treatment of COVID-19: results of an open-label non-randomized clinical trial
Hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin as a treatment of COVID-19: results of an open-label non-randomized clinical trial
* Summary of the article
The purpose of this study is to identify the effect of hydroxychloroquine on viral loads of COVID-19 patients. This clinical trial does not use randomization and blinding. The study lasts until the 6th day of inclusion. 600mg daily dose of hydroxychloroquine was given, including daily nasopharyngeal swab testing. Azithromycin was added depending on the presentation. Patients who refuse the proposed treatment protocol are included in the control group. The combination of the two drugs is efficient in reduction of viral load, with the azithromycin strengthening the effect.
* Critical appraisal
Reading the Structured Abstract
*A. Is the topic of the study important and worth knowing about? Yes, because it is about the trial of an antiviral drug for the novel COVID-19 virus.
*B. What is the purpose of the study? Is the focus on a difference or a relationship? The purpose should be clearly stated; one should not have to guess. The purpose of the study is to identify if there is a significant difference if hydroxychloroquine is administered.
C. What is the main outcome from the study? Does the outcome describe something measured on a numerical scale or something counted on a categorical scale? The outcome should be clearly stated. The outcome is the viral load after 6 days from inclusion.
D. Is the population of patients relevant to your practice—can you use these results in the care of your patients? The population in the study affects whether or not the results can be generalized. The results can be used for patients, but further studies with increased sample size and improved study design can be done.
