Ivermectin shows clinical benefits in mild to moderate COVID-19: A randomised controlled double-blind dose-response study in Lagos.

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Date
2021-02-18
Authors
Babalola, O.E.
Bode, C.O.
Ajayi, A.A.
Alakaloko, F.M.
Akase, I.E.
Otrofanowei, E.
Salu, O.B.
Adeyemo, W.L.
Ademuyiwa, A.O.
Omilabu, S.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Oxford Academics
Abstract
Introduction In vitro studies have shown the efficacy of Ivermectin (IV) to inhibit the SARS - CoV- 2 viral replication, but questions remained as to In-vivo applications. We set out to explore the efficacy and safety of Ivermectin in persons infected with COVID19. Methods We conducted a translational proof of concept (PoC) randomized, double blind placebo controlled, dose response, parallel group study of IV efficacy in RT - PCR proven COVID 19 positive patients. 62 patients were randomized to 3 treatment groups. (A) IV 6mg regime, (B)IV 12 mg regime (given Q84hrs for 2weeks) (C, control) Lopinavir/Ritonavir. All groups plus standard of Care. Results The Days to COVID negativity [DTN] was significantly and dose dependently reduced by IV (p = 0.0066). The DTN for Control were, = 9.1+/-5.2, for A 6.0 +/- 2.9, and for B 4.6 +/-3.2 . 2 Way repeated measures ANOVA of ranked COVID 19 +/- scores at 0, 84, 168, 232 hours showed a significant IV treatment effect (p = 0.035) and time effect (p < 0.0001). IV also tended to increase SPO2% compared to controls, p = 0.073, 95% CI - 0.39 to 2.59 and increased platelet count compared to C (p = 0.037) 95%CI 5.55 - 162.55 × 103/ml. The platelet count increase was inversely correlated to DTN (r = -0.52, p = 0.005). No SAE was reported. Conclusions 12 mg IV regime may have superior efficacy. IV should be considered for use in clinical management of SARS-Cov-2, and may find applications in community prophylaxis in high-risk areas.
Description
Scholarly articles
Keywords
Covid-19 , Virus , Treatment , Patients , Research Subject Categories::ODONTOLOGY
Citation
Babalola OE, Bode CO, Ajayi AA, Alakaloko FM, Akase IE, Otrofanowei E, Salu OB, Adeyemo WL, Ademuyiwa AO, Omilabu S. Ivermectin shows clinical benefits in mild to moderate COVID-19: A randomised controlled double-blind dose-response study in Lagos. QJM 2021. doi: 10.1093/qjmed/hcab035.