More deaths, no benefit from malaria drug in VA virus study

A malaria drug widely touted by President Donald Trump for treating new coronavirus showed benefit in a large analysis of its use in U.S. veterans hospitals. re were more deaths among those given hydroxychloroquine versus standard care, researchers reported.

nationwide study was t a rigorous experiment. But with 368 patients, it’s largest look so far of hydroxychloroquine with or without antibiotic azithromycin for COVID-19, which has killed more than 171,000 people as of Tuesday.

study was posted on an online site for researchers and has been submitted to New England Journal of Medicine, but has t been reviewed by or scientists. Grants from National Institutes of Health and University of Virginia paid for work.

Researchers analyzed medical records of 368 male veterans hospitalized with confirmed coronavirus infection at Veterans Health ministration medical centers who died or were discharged by April 11.

About 28% who were given hydroxychloroquine plus usual care died, versus 11% of those getting routine care alone. About 22% of those getting drug plus azithromycin died too, but difference between that group and usual care was t considered large eugh to rule out or factors that could have affected survival.

Hydroxychloroquine me difference in need for a breathing machine, eir.

Researchers did t track side effects, but ted hints that hydroxychloroquine might have damd or organs. drug has long been kwn to have potentially serious side effects, including altering heartbeat in a way that could le to sudden death.

Earlier this month, scientists in Brazil stopped part of a hydroxychloroquine study after heart rhythm problems developed in one-quarter of people given higher of two doses being tested.

Many doctors have been leery of drug.

At University of Wisconsin, Mison, “I think we’re all rar underwhelmed” at what’s been seen among few patients re who’ve tried it, said Dr. Nasia Safdar, medical director of infection control and prevention.

Patients asked about it soon after Trump started promoting its use, “but w I think that people have realized we don’t kw if it works or t” and needs more study, said Safdar, who h role in VA analysis.

NIH and ors have more rigorous tests underway.

(im credit: AP)