Concerned about the adverse effects of HCQ

Few studies have reported the efficacy of HCQ in reducing the viral load and improving the severity of symptoms in hospitalized COVID-19 cases with serious respiratory infection. However, the prophylactic benefits of HCQ has not been clearly defined yet.

This study is designed to evaluate the prophylactic efficacy of HCQ in COVID-19 cases with mild to moderate symptoms and in the hospital staff engaged in attending infected patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or female over 18 years of age at the time of enrollment
• COVID-19 test positive patients with mild-moderate symptoms including fever >37.50 F
• Consecutive consenting staff at ICU, ER and COVID-19 unit that have never been diagnosed with COVID-19

Exclusion Criteria:

• Exclusion criteria:
• Hepatic cirrhosis or active hepatitis B or C
• Severe renal disease
• Hospitalized for severe symptoms of COVID-19 (ARDS), on mechanical ventilation or ECMO
• Contraindication to HCQ
• Using HCQ for some other condition (i.e. SLE, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Pregnant or breast feeding
• Known history of long QT syndrome (QTc >500 ms on electrocardiogram)
• Seizure disorder
• Body weight <50kg
• Psoriasis
• Unwilling to provide informed consent