The RECOVERY trial, a randomized study being held since March 2020 at over 176 active sites all over the UK and sponsored by the University of Oxford, has been researching various treatment options for COVID-19.

 

In early June, the hydroxychloroquine arm of the study was closed, as researchers considered, after reviewing the data thus far, that there was no clinical benefit to the use of this drug in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

 

As of 16 June, however, the study has yielded more positive results. Researchers found that low-dose dexamethasone, a common corticosteroid, improved survival outcomes in patients with oxygen therapy, compared to standard of care.

 

Data shows a statistically significant decrease in mortality, of one-third in ventilated patients and one-fifth in patients receiving oxygen (without ventilation). It should be noted, however, that there was no demonstrated benefit in patients without respiratory intervention. The outcome benefits are only relevant to hospitalized patients with a more severe presentation of the disease.

 

Dexamethasone has a well-known safety profile and is readily available at a low cost, and so in a position to make a significant impact on the treatment of COVID-19 all over the world.

 

ALERT has been attentive to the possible positive effect of corticosteroids and other anti-inflammatory therapeutic approaches in COVID-19 treatment (see articles from 13 May, 23 April in English and Portuguese, 6 April in Portuguese and 5 April 2020 in Portuguese), specially following rumors that physicians in Spain were using corticosteroids with positive responses, as reported by El País after these results from the RECOVERY trial were published.

 

Melanie Salgado

Pharmacist and Medication Content Analyst

ALERT Life Sciences Computing