The Urgency of Care during the Covid-19 Pandemic — Learning as We Go

Abstract

Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, alone or in combination with azithromycin, have been highly touted as potential therapies for Covid-19. The claims of efficacy are based largely on anecdotes and case series that have been described as being so persuasive that it would be unethical to perform studies with placebo controls.¹ On the basis of this “evidence,” these therapies have been recommended in many guidelines, including some national policies, and have been widely implemented. But is the evidence really that strong? An observational study now published in the Journal² examines the association between hydroxychloroquine use and outcomes in patients hospitalized with Covid-19 and suggests that this treatment is not a panacea.