Hydroxychloroquine

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in Wuhan city of China in late December 2019 and identified as a novel coronavirus. Due to its contagious nature, the virus spreads rapidly and causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The global tally of COVID-19 was 28 million in early September 2020. The fears and stress associated with SARS-CoV-2 has demolished the socioeconomic status worldwide. Researchers are trying to identify treatments, especially antiviral drugs and/or vaccines, that could potentially control the viral spread and manage the ongoing unprecedented global crisis. To date, more than 300 clinical trials have been conducted on various antiviral drugs, and immunomodulators are being evaluated at various stages of COVID-19. This review aims to collect and summarize a list of drugs used to treat COVID-19, including dexamethasone, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir, favipiravir, remdesivir, tociluzimab, nitazoxanide and ivermectin. However, some of these drugs are not effective and their use has been suspended by WHO.

Introduction/AimsIn this study we investigated COVID‐19 vaccination–related adverse events (ADEs) 7 days postvaccination in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) and other systemic autoimmune and inflammatory disorders (SAIDs).MethodsSeven‐day vaccine ADEs were collected in an international patient self‐reported e‐survey. Descriptive statistics were obtained and multivariable regression was performed.ResultsTen thousand nine hundred respondents were analyzed (1227 IIM cases, 4640 SAID cases, and 5033 healthy controls [HCs]; median age, 42 [interquartile range, 30‐455] years; 74% female; 45% Caucasian; 69% completely vaccinated). Major ADEs were reported by 76.3% of the IIM patients and 4.6% reported major ADEs. Patients with active IIMs reported more frequent major (odds ratio [OR], 2.7; interquartile range [IQR], 1.04‐7.3) and minor (OR, 1.5; IQR, 1.1‐2.2) ADEs than patients with inactive IIMs. Rashes were more frequent in IIMs (OR, 2.3; IQR, 1.2‐4.2) than HCs. AD...

Chloroquine (CQ) and Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) are the challenging drugs used for COVID-19. Several studies show its beneficial, however, both medications can prolong the QTc interval and increase the risk of patients for torsades de pointes and death. The Tisdale score is identified to have successfully predicted the at-risk population of side effects of these drugs. This study aim to evaluate the QT prolongation caused by the administration of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 patients and the association with the treatment outcomes based on their Tisdale score. We conducted an observational study on 213 hospitalized patients with confirmed or suspect COVID-19 in 6 referral hospitals in Indonesia. All baseline demographic such as age and gender, RT-PCR test result, severity of disease, history of cardiovascular disease (myocardial infarction, heart failure, hypertension), serum kalium level at baseline, and the use of medication associated with risk QTc interval prolongation were collected. The Tisdale risk score was used for predicting high-risk patients for QT corrected (QTc) interval prolongation. Out of 213 patients who were treated with CQ/ HCQ, there were 60 (28.2%) patients had QTc interval prolongation, included 43 patients (20.2%) who had normal QTc interval at baseline and at the end of treatment had prolong interval; or 17 patients (8.0%) who had QTc interval more than 470 msec at baseline and QTc interval prolongation was worsen at the end of treatment. Several factors, including age more than 50 years, COVID-19 confirm PCR, and had comorbidity heart failure, were statistically significant associated with QTc interval prolongation. The high-risk score of Tisdale score have increased risk significantly on QTc interval prolongation (RR: 2.15, 95%CI 1.07-4.32) and associated with risk of death (RR: 3.50, 95%CI 1.34-9.13) compared to low-risk score. Our findings showed that the treatment of CQ/HCQ in COVID-19 patients is associated with QTc prolongation. The Tisdale score can be used as a valuable tool to predict the COVID-19 patients' outcome after treatment of these QTc-prolonging drugs.

Background: Throughout the pandemic, physicians working at the frontlines have embarked on various quests to protect themselves, and many physicians preferred the use of hydroxychloroquine (HQN) as a prophylactic agent. This study aimed to investigate the reasons leading physicians to use HQN and the effects of HQN use on physicians. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study with a target population of physicians working in pandemic hospitals in İstanbul, Turkey. We have recruited the participants from seven different hospitals via an invitation email between May 14 and June 13, 2020. An online questionnaire, including 57 questions in total, was sent to each physician. Results: A total of 148 (26%) physicians used hydroxychloroquine for prevention. Older physicians and ones who have a story of exposure to COVID-19 patients without any protection used more prophylactic HQN. Hydroxychloroquine did not differ statistically in terms of being infected among the exposed physicians (p=0.52). Nineteen (13%) physicians using hydroxychloroquine developed side effects related to the drug. Diarrhea and nausea were the most common. Conclusion: Prophylactic HQN use was more common among the physicians older than 40 years and who had higher exposure rates to a COVID-19 patient without any protection. The physicians working at the frontlines had the highest rate of infection. Hydroxychloroquine was not effective in the prophylaxis of COVID-19 among the exposed physicians. Highlights Prevalence: ºAmong all the physicians participating in the study, 148 (26%) physicians used hydroxychloroquine for prevention for a while or continuously. ºOlder physicians and exposed ones used more prophylactic HQN. Effectiveness: ºHydroxychloroquine did not differ statistically in terms of being infected among the exposed physicians (p=0.52). Side effects: ºNineteen (13%) of 148 patients using hydroxychloroquine developed side effects that could be related to the drug. ºDiarrhea and nausea were the most common

There is an uncertainty regarding the effect of the SARS-CoV-2 infection on patients with chronic rheumatic diseases who are on immunosuppressive drugs. We did a multicentric cross sectional seroprevalence study were conducted in ve different cities of India prior to COVID-19 immunization. Patients with a diagnosis of rheumatic disease and on DMARDs were included. Relatives of the patients, preferably staying in the same household with no known rheumatic diseases served as controls (subjects without disease). Serum IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of the spike protein and nucleoprotein (NP) was assayed. Eight hundred eighty-nine sera (subjects with disease = 379 and in subjects without disease = 510) were assayed. IgG antibodies to either RBD and/or NP were positive in 135 (36%) subjects with disease as compared to 196 (38%) in subjects without disease. The seroprevalence to RBD and NP varied between different cities but was not signi cantly different between subjects with and without disease in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and Bhubaneswar. However, the occurrence of IgG antibodies to RBD was signi cantly (p < 0.05) lower in subjects with disease (28/65;43%) as compared to subjects without disease (42/65;65%) in Kolkata, where the positivity rate was lower in connective tissue disease group than in in ammatory arthritis group. Overall, patients with rheumatic diseases on DMARDs have IgG antibodies to RBD and NP of SARS-CoV-2 at a comparable level with that of subjects without disease, but the level of antibodies to RBD is lower in patients with connective tissue disease on immunosuppressive drugs in one centre.

The therapeutic options for COVID-19 patients are currently limited, but numerous randomized controlled trials are being completed, and many are on the way. For COVID-19 patients in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), we recommend against using remdesivir outside of a clinical trial. We recommend against using hydroxychloroquine ± azithromycin or lopinavir-ritonavir. We suggest empiric antimicrobial treatment for likely coinfecting pathogens if an alternative infectious cause is likely. We suggest close monitoring without additional empiric antimicrobials if there are no clinical or laboratory signs of other infections. We recommend using oral or intravenous low-dose dexamethasone in adults with COVID-19 disease who require oxygen or mechanical ventilation. We recommend against using dexamethasone in patients with COVID-19 who do not require supplemental oxygen. We recommend using alternate equivalent doses of steroids in the event that dexamethasone is unavailable. We also recommend using low-dose corticosteroids in patients with refractory shock requiring vasopressor support. We recommend against the use of convalescent plasma and interleukin-6 inhibitors, such as tocilizumab, for the treatment of COVID-19 in LMICs outside of clinical trials.

Background and Objective The world is currently experiencing the Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. There is no approved drug for the definitive treatment of the disease. Various drugs are being tried for the treatment of COVID-19, including hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). This study was performed to systematically review the therapeutic role of HCQ in COVID-19 from the available literature. Methods PubMed, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, ICTRP (WHO), Cochrane Library databases, and two pre-print servers (medRxiv.org and Research Square) were searched for clinical studies that evaluated the therapeutic role of HCQ on COVID-19 until 10 May 2020. The available studies were critically analyzed and the data were extracted. Results A total of 663 articles were screened and 12 clinical studies (seven peer-reviewed and published studies and five non-peer-reviewed studies from pre-print servers) with a total sample size of 3543 patients were included. Some of the clinical studies demonstrated good virological and clinical outcomes with HCQ alone or in combination with azithromycin in COVID-19 patients, although the studies had major methodological limitations. Some of the other studies showed negative results with HCQ therapy along with the risk of adverse reactions. Conclusion The results of efficacy and safety of HCQ in COVID-19, as obtained from the clinical studies, are not satisfactory, although many of these studies had major methodological limitations. Stronger evidence from well-designed robust randomized clinical trials is required before conclusively determining the role of HCQ in the treatment of COVID-19. Clinical prudence is required in advocating HCQ as a therapeutic armamentarium in COVID-19. Key Points Efficacy and safety results obtained from clinical studies on the therapeutic role of HCQ in COVID-19 are not satisfactory. The majority of the published studies have major methodological limitations. Safety aspects associated with the use of HCQ along with azithromycin in COVID-19 warrants caution. Large and robust randomized controlled trials will conclusively determine the role of HCQ in COVID-19.

IMPORTANCE Critical illness, a marked inflammatory response, and viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 may prolong corrected QT interval (QTc). OBJECTIVE To evaluate baseline QTc interval on 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) and ensuing changes among patients with and without COVID-19. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cohort study included 3050 patients aged 18 years and older who underwent SARS-CoV-2 testing and had ECGs at Columbia University Irving Medical Center from March 1 through May 1, 2020. Patients were analyzed by treatment group over 5 days, as follows: hydroxychloroquine with azithromycin, hydroxychloroquine alone, azithromycin alone, and neither hydroxychloroquine nor azithromycin. ECGs were manually analyzed by electrophysiologists masked to COVID-19 status. Multivariable modeling evaluated clinical associations with QTc prolongation from baseline. EXPOSURES COVID-19, hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Mean QTc prolongation, percentage of patients with QTc of 500 milliseconds or greater. RESULTS A total of 965 patients had more than 2 ECGs and were included in the study, with 561 (58.1%) men, 198 (26.2%) Black patients, and 191 (19.8%) aged 80 years and older. There were 733 patients (76.0%) with COVID-19 and 232 patients (24.0%) without COVID-19. COVID-19 infection was associated with significant mean QTc prolongation from baseline by both 5-day and 2-day multivariable models (5-day, patients with COVID-19: 20.81 [95% CI, 15.29 to 26.33] milliseconds;

Clinical question What is the role of drugs in preventing covid-19? Why does this matter? There is widespread interest in whether drug interventions can be used for the prevention of covid-19, but there is uncertainty about which drugs, if any, are effective. Recommendations The second version of this living guideline reiterates the previous strong recommendation against the use of hydroxychloroquine and includes a new conditional recommendation against the use of tixagevimab-cilgavimab in individuals who do not have covid-19. How this guideline was created This living guideline is from the World Health Organization (WHO) and provides up to date covid-19 guidance to inform policy and practice worldwide. Magic Evidence Ecosystem Foundation (MAGIC) provides methodological support. A living systematic review with network analysis informs the recommendations. An international guideline development group (GDG) of content experts, clinicians, patients, an ethicist and methodologists produ...

Background: Novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is known to be susceptible in vitro to exposure to hydroxychloroquine and its effect have been found to be potentiated by azithromycin. We hypothesize, that early administration of hydroxychloroquine alone or in combination with azithromycin can prevent respiratory deterioration in patients admitted to intensive care due to rapidly progressive COVID-19 infection. Methods: Design: Prospective, multi-centre, double blind, randomised, controlled trial (RCT). Participants: Adult (>18 years) within 24 hours of admission to intensive care unit with proven or suspected COVID-19 infection, whether or not mechanically ventilated. Exclusion criteria include duration symptoms of febrile disease for ≥1 week, treatment limitations in place or moribund patients, allergy or intolerance of any study treatment, pregnancy. Interventions: Patients will be randomized in 1:1:1 ratio to receive Hydroxychloroquine 800mg orally in two doses followed by 400mg daily in two doses and Azithromycin 500 mg orally in one dose followed by 250 mg in one dose for a total of 5 days (HC-A group) or Hydroxychloroquine+ placebo (HC group) or placebo + placebo (C-group) in addition to best standard of care, which may evolve during the trial period but will not differ between groups. Primary outcome is the composite percentage of patients alive and not on end-of-life pathway who are free of mechanical ventilation at day 14. Secondary outcomes: The percentage of patients who were prevented from needing intubation until day 14; ICU length of stay; mortality (in hospital) at day 28 and 90. Discussion: Although both investigational drugs are often administered off label to patients with severe COVID-19, at present, there is no data from RCTs on their safety and efficacy. In vitro and observational trial suggest their potential to limit viral replication and the damage to lungs as the most common reason for ICU admission. Therefore, patients most likely to benefit from the treatment are those with severe, but early disease. This trial is designed and powered to investigate whether the treatment in this cohort of patients leads to improved clinical patients-centered outcomes, such as mechanical ventilation-free survival.

Background: Novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is known to be susceptible in vitro to exposure to hydroxychloroquine and its effect has been found to be potentiated by azithromycin. We hypothesise that early administration of hydroxychloroquine alone or in combination with azithromycin can prevent respiratory deterioration in patients admitted to intensive care due to rapidly progressive COVID-19 infection. Methods: Design: Prospective, multi-centre, double-blind, randomised, controlled trial (RCT). Participants: Adult (> 18 years) within 24 h of admission to the intensive care unit with proven or suspected COVID-19 infection, whether or not mechanically ventilated. Exclusion criteria include duration symptoms of febrile disease for ≥ 1 week, treatment limitations in place or moribund patients, allergy or intolerance of any study treatment, and pregnancy. Interventions: Patients will be randomised in 1:1:1 ratio to receive Hydroxychloroquine 800 mg orally in two doses followed by 400 mg daily in two doses and azithromycin 500 mg orally in one dose followed by 250 mg in one dose for a total of 5 days (HC-A group) or hydroxychloroquine + placebo (HC group) or placebo + placebo (Cgroup) in addition to the best standard of care, which may evolve during the trial period but will not differ between groups. Primary outcome is the composite percentage of patients alive and not on end-of-life pathway who are free of mechanical ventilation at day 14. Secondary outcomes: The percentage of patients who were prevented from needing intubation until day 14, ICU length of stay, and mortality (in hospital) at day 28 and 90.

Background Pulmonary surfactant is a complex mixture of lipids and specific proteins that stabilizes the alveoli at the end of expiration. Mutations in the gene coding for the triphosphate binding cassette transporter A3 (ABCA3), which facilitates the transfer of lipids to lamellar bodies, constitute the most frequent genetic cause of severe neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and chronic interstitial lung disease in children. Hydroxychloroquine can be used as an effective treatment for this rare severe condition. Case presentation We report a late preterm Bosnian baby boy (36 weeks) who suffered from a severe form of respiratory distress syndrome with poor response to intensive conventional management and whole exome sequencing revealed homozygous ABCA3 mis-sense mutation. The baby showed remarkable improvement of the respiratory condition after the initiation of Hydroxychloroquine, Azithromycin and Corticosteroids with the continuation of Hydroxychloroquine as a monotherapy til...

Objective: To compare subjective and objective clinical tests used in the screening for hydroxychloroquine retinal toxicity to multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) reference testing. Design: Prospective, single-center, case control study. Participants: Fifty-seven patients with a previous or current history of hydroxychloroquine treatment of more than 5 years' duration. Methods: Participants were evaluated with a detailed medical history, dilated ophthalmologic examination, color fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging, spectral-domain (SD) optical coherence tomography (OCT), automated visual field testing (10-2 visual field mean deviation [VFMD]), and mfERG testing. We used mfERG test parameters as a gold standard to divide participants into 2 groups: those affected by hydroxychloroquine-induced retinal toxicity and those unaffected. Main Outcome Measures: We assessed the association of various imaging and psychophysical variables in the affected versus the unaffected group. Results: Fifty-seven study participants (91.2% female; mean age, 55.7AE10.4 years; mean duration of hydroxychloroquine treatment, 15.0AE7.5 years) were divided into affected (n ¼ 19) and unaffected (n ¼ 38) groups based on mfERG criteria. Mean age and duration of hydroxychloroquine treatment did not differ statistically between groups. Mean OCT retinal thickness measurements in all 9 macular subfields were significantly lower (<40 mm) in the affected group (P < 0.01 for all comparisons) compared with those in the unaffected group. Mean VFMD was 11 dB lower in the affected group (P < 0.0001). Clinical features indicative of retinal toxicity were scored for the 2 groups and were detected in 68.4% versus 0.0% using color fundus photographs, 73.3% versus 9.1% using FAF images, and 84.2% versus 0.0% on the scoring for the perifoveal loss of the photoreceptor ellipsoid zone on SD-OCT for affected and unaffected participants, respectively. Using a polynomial modeling approach, OCT inner ring retinal thickness measurements and Humphrey 10-2 VFMD were identified as the variables associated most strongly with the presence of hydroxychloroquine as defined by mfERG testing. Conclusions: Optical coherence tomography retinal thickness and 10-2 VFMD are objective measures demonstrating clinically useful sensitivity and specificity for the detection of hydroxychloroquine toxicity as identified by mfERG, and thus may be suitable surrogate tests. Ophthalmology 2014;-:1e11 ª 2014 by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

IMPORTANCE Hydroxychloroquine, with or without azithromycin, has been considered as a possible therapeutic agent for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, there are limited data on efficacy and associated adverse events. OBJECTIVE To describe the association between use of hydroxychloroquine, with or without azithromycin, and clinical outcomes among hospital inpatients diagnosed with COVID-19. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Retrospective multicenter cohort study of patients from a random sample of all admitted patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in 25 hospitals, representing 88.2% of patients with COVID-19 in the New York metropolitan region. Eligible patients were admitted for at least 24 hours between March 15 and 28, 2020. Medications, preexisting conditions, clinical measures on admission, outcomes, and adverse events were abstracted from medical records. The date of final follow-up was April 24, 2020. EXPOSURES Receipt of both hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin, hydroxychloroquine alone, azithromycin alone, or neither. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were cardiac arrest and abnormal electrocardiogram findings (arrhythmia or QT prolongation). RESULTS Among 1438 hospitalized patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19 (858 [59.7%] male, median age, 63 years), those receiving hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, or both were more likely than those not receiving either drug to have diabetes, respiratory rate >22/min, abnormal chest imaging findings, O 2 saturation lower than 90%, and aspartate aminotransferase greater than 40 U/L. Overall in-hospital mortality was 20.3% (95% CI, 18.2%-22.4%). The probability of death for patients receiving hydroxychloroquine + azithromycin was 189/735 (25.7% [95% CI, 22.3%-28.9%]), hydroxychloroquine alone, 54/271 (19.9% [95% CI, 15.2%-24.7%]), azithromycin alone, 21/211 (10.0% [95% CI, 5.9%-14.0%]), and neither drug, 28/221 (12.7% [95% CI, 8.3%-17.1%]). In adjusted Cox proportional hazards models, compared with patients receiving neither drug, there were no significant differences in mortality for patients receiving hydroxychloroquine + azithromycin (HR, 1.35 [95% CI, 0.76-2.40]), hydroxychloroquine alone (HR, 1.08 [95% CI, 0.63-1.85]), or azithromycin alone (HR, 0.56 [95% CI, 0.26-1.21]). In logistic models, compared with patients receiving neither drug cardiac arrest was significantly more likely in patients receiving hydroxychloroquine + azithromycin (adjusted OR, 2.13 [95% CI, 1.12-4.05]), but not hydroxychloroquine alone (adjusted OR, 1.91 [95% CI, 0.96-3.81]) or azithromycin alone (adjusted OR, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.27-1.56]),. In adjusted logistic regression models, there were no significant differences in the relative likelihood of abnormal electrocardiogram findings. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Among patients hospitalized in metropolitan New York with COVID-19, treatment with hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, or both, compared with neither treatment, was not significantly associated with differences in in-hospital mortality. However, the interpretation of these findings may be limited by the observational design.

There is a dearth of robust evidence regarding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related coetaneous manifestations, complications and adverse treatment events. Upon review of the literature there are only a few cases reported of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) in COVID-19 patients after treatment. Therefore, we are reporting a case of a 34-year-old male not known to have any chronic illness. His severe COVID-19 infection resolved four days prior to presentation to the Emergency Department with pustular rash on erythematous base over his face, neck, upper limbs, anterior and posterior trunk including oral cavity and tounge. The rash started after he took azithromycin, oseltamivir, ribavirin, lopinavir, hydroxychloroquine, prednisolone, ceftriaxone, clindamycin, interferon (IFN) beta, and ceftazidime for COVID-19. Skin punch biopsy was done and he was diagnosed with AGEP but it was still not known if it was related to COVID-19 or a drug-induced condition. Patient was treated with betamethasone valerate 0.1% ointment and lotion, promethazine hydrochloride 25mg tablet, paracetamol 500mg tablet, calcipotriol 50mcg/g and betamethasone 0.5mg/g gel. He discharged the same day to manage at home despite not improving. In the end, we found only a few studies that describe the cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 infection, which were mainly case reports. We can't be sure that AGEP is a late and severe complication of COVID-19 infection. However, AGEP could be a rare adverse effect of hydroxychloroquine therapy. Improving the knowledge about a wide range of different signs and symptoms of the disease and its severity in addition to all possible adverse treatment events and complications can improve patient safety, survival rate, and quality of life.

PURPOSE: The Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an international public health emergency. Vaccines, and acute infection drugs are currently unknown, and when available, expense and distribution issues may impede distribution in undeserved areas. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the evidence regarding cinchona bark (CB) for its potential anti-viral properties against COVID-19   STUDY DESIGN: A current literature and historical text review was conducted, limited to articles having full text or abstracts available in English, using Google Scholar, Pubmed-NCBI, ScienceDirect, and WebMD, and online book publications,  with key search words, including synthetic CB analogues: chloroquine-hydroxychloroquine (CQ/HCQ) derivatives.   RESULTS: Several related in-vitro studies, editorials, and expert consensus papers on quinine analogue anti-viral treatment papers and historical treatises have been published. A March 2020 CQ drug trial ongoing in China, has just reported b...

Background Medical therapies can cause cardiotoxicity. Chloroquine (QC) and hydroxychloroquine (HQC) are drugs used in the treatment of malaria and skin and rheumatic disorders. These drugs were considered to help treatment of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in 2019. Despite the low cost and availability of QC and HQC, reports indicate that this class of drugs can cause cardiotoxicity. The mechanism of this event is not well known, but evidence shows that QC and HQC can cause cardiotoxicity by affecting mitochondria and lysosomes. Methods Therefore, our study was designed to investigate the effects of QC and HQC on heart mitochondria. In order to achieve this aim, mitochondrial function, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, mitochondrial membrane disruption, and cytochrome c release in heart mitochondria were evaluated. Statistical significance was determined using the one-way and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post hoc Tukey to evaluate mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity and cytochrome c release, and Bonferroni test to evaluate the ROS level, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) collapse, and mitochondrial swelling. Results Based on ANOVA analysis (one-way), the results of mitochondrial SDH activity showed that the IC 50 concentration for CQ is 20 µM and for HCQ is 50 µM. Based on two-way ANOVA analysis, the highest effect of CQ and HCQ on the generation of ROS, collapse in the MMP, and mitochondrial swelling were observed at 40 µM and 100 µM concentrations, respectively (p < 0.05). Also, the highest effect of these two drugs has been observed in 60 min (p < 0.05). The statistical results showed that compared to CQ, HCQ is able to cause the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria in all applied concentrations (p < 0.05). Conclusions The results suggest that QC and HQC can cause cardiotoxicity which can lead to heart disorders through oxidative stress and disfunction of heart mitochondria.

To study the efficacy of lopinavir-ritonavir and hydroxychloroquine in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: Critically ill adults with COVID-19 were randomized to receive lopinavir-ritonavir, hydroxychloroquine, combination therapy of lopinavir-ritonavir and hydroxychloroquine or no antiviral therapy (control). The primary endpoint was an ordinal scale of organ support-free days. Analyses used a Bayesian cumulative logistic model and expressed treatment effects as an adjusted odds ratio (OR) where an OR > 1 is favorable. Results: We randomized 694 patients to receive lopinavir-ritonavir (n = 255), hydroxychloroquine (n = 50), combination therapy (n = 27) or control (n = 362). The median organ support-free days among patients in lopinavir-ritonavir, hydroxychloroquine, and combination therapy groups was 4 (-1 to 15), 0 (-1 to 9) and-1 (-1 to 7), respectively,

There is an uncertainty regarding the effect of the SARS-CoV-2 infection on patients with chronic rheumatic diseases who are on immunosuppressive drugs. We did a multicentric cross sectional seroprevalence study were conducted in ve different cities of India prior to COVID-19 immunization. Patients with a diagnosis of rheumatic disease and on DMARDs were included. Relatives of the patients, preferably staying in the same household with no known rheumatic diseases served as controls (subjects without disease). Serum IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of the spike protein and nucleoprotein (NP) was assayed. Eight hundred eighty-nine sera (subjects with disease = 379 and in subjects without disease = 510) were assayed. IgG antibodies to either RBD and/or NP were positive in 135 (36%) subjects with disease as compared to 196 (38%) in subjects without disease. The seroprevalence to RBD and NP varied between different cities but was not signi cantly different between subjects with and without disease in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and Bhubaneswar. However, the occurrence of IgG antibodies to RBD was signi cantly (p < 0.05) lower in subjects with disease (28/65;43%) as compared to subjects without disease (42/65;65%) in Kolkata, where the positivity rate was lower in connective tissue disease group than in in ammatory arthritis group. Overall, patients with rheumatic diseases on DMARDs have IgG antibodies to RBD and NP of SARS-CoV-2 at a comparable level with that of subjects without disease, but the level of antibodies to RBD is lower in patients with connective tissue disease on immunosuppressive drugs in one centre.

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an antimalarial medication that can also be used to treat autoimmune diseases. However, it can produce irreversible changes to the retina that lead to visual impairment. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of patients treated with HCQ who develop retinal toxicity and the risk factors for the development of HCQ-induced retinal toxicity among Iranian patients. The is a cross-sectional clinical study of 59 patients who were treated with HCQ during 2014-2015. A questionnaire was used to collect data on the following demographic and clinical factors: age, gender, type of rheumatic disease, history of cataract surgery, daily and cumulative HCQ dose, and duration of HCQ use. Retinal toxicity was diagnosed on the basis of the automated perimetry results of the central 10° of vision and spectral domain optical coherence tomography. The associations between the demographic and clinical factors and retinal toxicity were assessed, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Retinal toxicity was detected in 18 (30.5%) of the patients, and 5 (8.5 %) developed color vision impairments. There was no association between retinal toxicity and sex (P = 0.514), history of cataract surgery (P = 0.479), type of rheumatic disease (P = 0.539), or daily HCQ dose (P = 0.062). However, there was a significant positive association between retinal toxicity and age (P = 0.006), cumulative HCQ dose (P = 0.002), and duration of HCQ use (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the risk factors for retinal toxicity after HCQ treatment were advanced age, use of a higher cumulative HCQ dose, and a longer duration of treatment.

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an antimalarial medication that can also be used to treat autoimmune diseases. However, it can produce irreversible changes to the retina that lead to visual impairment. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of patients treated with HCQ who develop retinal toxicity and the risk factors for the development of HCQ-induced retinal toxicity among Iranian patients. The is a cross-sectional clinical study of 59 patients who were treated with HCQ during 2014–2015. A questionnaire was used to collect data on the following demographic and clinical factors: age, gender, type of rheumatic disease, history of cataract surgery, daily and cumulative HCQ dose, and duration of HCQ use. Retinal toxicity was diagnosed on the basis of the automated perimetry results of the central 10° of vision and spectral domain optical coherence tomography. The associations between the demographic and clinical factors and retinal toxicity were assessed, and P &lt; 0.05 wa...

Background: Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble nutrient that functions as a key antioxidant and has been proven to be effective for boosting immunity. In this study, we aimed to assess the efficacy of adding high-dose intravenous vitamin C (HDIVC) to the regimens for patients with severe COVID-19 disease. Methods: An open-label, randomized, and controlled trial was conducted on patients with severe COVID-19 infection. The case and control treatment groups each consisted of 30 patients. The control group received lopinavir/ritonavir and hydroxychloroquine and the case group received HDIVC (6 g daily) added to the same regimen. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between two groups with respect to age and gender, laboratory results, and underlying diseases. The mean body temperature was significantly lower in the case group on the 3rd day of hospitalization (p = 0.001). Peripheral capillary oxygen saturations (SpO 2) measured at the 3rd day of hospitalization was also higher in the case group receiving HDIVC (p = 0.014). The median length of hospitalization in the case group was significantly longer than the control group (8.5 days vs. 6.5 days) (p = 0.028). There was no significant difference in SpO 2 levels at discharge time, the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and mortality between the two groups. Conclusions: We did not find significantly better outcomes in the group who were treated with HDIVC in addition to the main treatment regimen at discharge.

Background: Incomplete data are often presented for determining the role of vitamin A supplement therapy for improving treatment outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Aims: We compared treatment effects between a group that received vitamin A added to the standard COVID-19 treatment and another group that received the standard drug treatment alone. Methods: Participants in this triple-blind controlled trial comprised 182 COVID-19 outpatients in Saveh City, Markazi Province, Islamic Republic of Iran, in 2020. Patients were randomly divided into experimental (n = 91) and control (n = 91) groups. Patients in the control group received the national standard treatment for COVID-19 (hydroxychloroquine), and those in the intervention group received 25 000 IU/d oral vitamin A for 10 days in addition to the standard treatment recommended by the national protocol. We evaluated the clinical symptoms, paraclinical criteria, and hospitalization status before and after 10 days of interventions. Res...

The study examined the clinical characteristics and outcomes of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections among hospitalized patients. Design: Study design was a retrospective single-center review of hospital data. Setting: The study was conducted at the COVID-19 Treatment Center of the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics of the Korle-Bu Teaching hospital in Accra, Ghana. Participants and study tools: A total of fifty patients with laboratory (rRT-PCR) confirmed COVID-19 infection were involved in the study. A chart review of the medical records of the patients was conducted and the data obtained was documented using a data extraction form. Results: The median age was 53 years and most (36% (18/50)) of the patients were at least 60 years of age. Eighty percent (40/50) of the patients were symptomatic, with cough and difficulty in breathing being the commonest presenting symptoms. The mean duration of hospitalization was 12.3 ± 7.3 days. Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus were the commonest co-morbidities occurring in 52% (26/50) and 42% (21/50) of patients respectively. Fifty percent of patients developed COVID-19 pneumonia as a complication. The mortality rate was 12% (6/50). Conclusion: In this study, SARS-CoV2 infection affected older adults with hypertension and diabetes mellitus being the common comorbidities. Patients with these comorbid conditions should be counselled by their clinicians to strictly observe the COVID-19 prevention protocols to reduce their risk of acquiring the infection. There is a need to pay critical and prompt attention to the management of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia particularly among people with diabetes to improve outcomes.

Autoimmune connective tissue diseases (CTDs) in pregnancy present a complex interplay between maternal health and fetal outcomes. While historically discouraged due to potential complications, proper preconception counselling and disease control offer the prospect of safe pregnancies. This case report focuses on mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), a rare condition combining features of SLE, systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and polymyositis, presenting during pregnancy. A 29-year-old woman, gravida 2, para 1, with a history of rheumatoid arthritis, was referred at 31+4 weeks with a deranged coagulation profile, fetal growth restriction (FGR), and oligohydramnios. Extensive laboratory and imaging investigations confirmed MCTD diagnosis. Treatment involved LMWH, aspirin, hydroxychloroquine, and prednisolone. Comprehensive monitoring and multidisciplinary care were maintained throughout. Despite initial improvement, the patient faced complications at 35+3 weeks, leading to an emergency caesarean section at 36 weeks due to preterm FGR, oligohydramnios, and breech presentation. A male infant weighing 2.1 kgs was delivered, requiring neonatal intensive care due to prematurity and respiratory distress. Postoperatively, the mother resumed medication and was discharged with her baby. This case highlights successful MCTD management during pregnancy through meticulous monitoring and a multidisciplinary approach. The risk of complications necessitates informed preconception counselling, emphasizing the importance of disease remission, close surveillance, and prompt intervention in disease relapse. Comprehensive care, including medications and careful planning, contributes to improved maternal and neonatal outcomes in this rare and challenging scenario.

An rare pandemic of viral pneumonia occurs in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, which is now recognized internationally as Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the etiological agent classified as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it has so far expanded to more than 213 countries/territories worldwide. Our study aims to find the viral peptides of SARS-COV-2 by peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) in order to predict its novel structure and find an inhibitor for each viral peptide. For this reason, we calculated the mass of amino acid sequences translated from the SARS-CoV2 whole genome and identify the peptides that may be a target for inhibition. Molecular peptide docking with Moringa oleifera, phytochemicals (aqueous and ethanolic) leaf extracts of flavonoids (3.56 ± 0.03), (3.83 ± 0.02), anthraquinone (11.68 ± 0.04), (10.86 ± 0.06) and hydroxychloroquine present therapy of COVID-19 in Pakistan for comparative study. Results indicate that 15 peptides of SARS-CoV2 have been identified from PMF, which is then used as a selective inhibitor. The maximum energy obtained from AutoDock Vina for hydroxychloroquine is-5.1 kcal/mol, kaempferol (flavonoid) is-6.2 kcal/mol, and for anthraquinone-6 kcal/ mol. Visualization of docking complex, important effects are observed regarding the binding of peptides to drug compounds. In conclusion, it is proposed that these compounds are effective antiviral agents against COVID-19 and can be used in clinical trials.

BackgroundThe EULAR Sjögren’s Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) has been used as primary endpoint in many recent randomised clinical trials (RCTs) in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS). In multiple RCTs, a large placebo effect (&gt;50%) was observed with the ESSDAI. Since patients are often included with a moderate or high disease activity (ESSDAI ≥5), this placebo effect may partly be due to regression to the mean[1]. Little data is available on the natural course of the ESSDAI in patients who are not treated with immunosuppressives in daily clinical practice.ObjectivesTo assess the variation in ESSDAI up to five years of follow-up in a cohort of pSS patients without immunosuppressive treatment.MethodsThis prospective longitudinal study included consecutive outpatients with pSS from the ongoing Registry of Sjögren Syndrome LongiTudinal (RESULT) cohort who fulfilled the ACR/EULAR classification criteria for pSS and who reached at least two years of follow-up with ...

Background and objectivesAlthough several repurposed antiviral drugs have been used for the treatment of COVID-19, only a few such as remdesivir and molnupiravir have shown promising effects. The objectives of our study were to investigate the association of repurposed antiviral drugs with COVID-19 morbidity.MethodsPatients admitted to 26 different hospitals located in 16 different provinces between March 11–July 18, 2020, were enrolled. Case definition was based on WHO criteria. Patients were managed according to the guidelines by Scientific Board of Ministry of Health of Turkey. Primary outcomes were length of hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) requirement, and intubation.ResultsWe retrospectively evaluated 1,472 COVID-19 adult patients; 57.1% were men (mean age = 51.9 ± 17.7years). A total of 210 (14.3%) had severe pneumonia, 115 (7.8%) were admitted to ICUs, and 69 (4.7%) were intubated during hospitalization. The median (interquartile range) of duration of hospitalizati...

Mesenteric thrombosis is a rare pathology that results from the obstruction of the arterial or venous system of the mesenteric circulation by a thrombus or embolus. The etiology of thrombus formation is rarely evident; the population statistically most affected by this pathology are older adults, with an average age of 60-70 years. The main causes related to the presentation of mesenteric thrombosis are embolic cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, neoplasia and prolonged prostration. In rare cases, the presence of thrombophilia, for example antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS), is identified as an underlying cause of thrombotic events. APS is a disease characterized by a procoagulant state; the most frequent clinical manifestations are related to thrombotic events. The pathophysiology of the disease is related to the formation of antiphospholipid antibodies. The three antibodies identified in APS are lupus anticoagulant (LA), anticardiolipin antibody (aCL) and anti-b2glycoprotein 1 antibody (anti-b2GP1). Treatment is based on the use of anticoagulant drugs with the aim of preventing the appearance of new thromboembolic events. In this article we present a clinical case of mesenteric thrombosis in a male patient in whom the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) was documented and who met the classification criteria for APS. For the review of the literature, a search was carried out for information related to pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, classification and treatment of APS, as well as literature related to mesenteric thrombosis in open access sources and databases such as PubMed. In conclusion, APS is a rare pathology, probably because it is underdiagnosed, since in developing countries there are no resources to carry out the diagnostic approach, likewise the delay in the start of treatment implies an increase in morbidity for the patient.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused Coronavirus pandemic (COVID- 19). Repurposing of antimalarial drugs as a potential treatment option for hospitalized, non-hospitalized as well for prevention against SARS CoV-2 have been researched as potential COVID-19 treatments, with some moving into clinical trials. This review article revisits the evidence and draws comparison regarding their safety and efficacy.

Patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD) are at increased risk for worse COVID-19 outcomes. Identifying whether mRNA vaccines differ in immunogenicity and examining the effects of immunomodulatory treatments may support COVID-19 vaccination strategies. We aimed to conduct a longterm, model-based comparison of the humoral immunogenicity following BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 vaccination in a cohort of IRD patients. Patients from the Swiss IRD cohort (SCQM), who assented to mRNA COVID-19 vaccination were recruited between 3/2021-9/2021. Blood samples at baseline, 4, 12, and 24 weeks post second vaccine dose were tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike IgG (anti-S1). We examined differences in antibody levels depending on the vaccine and treatment at baseline while adjusting for age, disease, and past SARS-CoV-2 infection. 565 IRD patients provided eligible samples. Among monotherapies, rituximab, abatacept, JAKi, and TNFi had the highest odds of reduced anti-S1 responses compared to no medication. Patients on specific combination therapies showed significantly lower antibody responses than those on monotherapy. Irrespective of the disease, treatment, and past SARS-CoV-2 infection, the odds of higher antibody levels at 4, 12, and 24 weeks post second vaccine dose were, respectively, 3.4, 3.8, and 3.8 times higher with mRNA-1273 versus BNT162b2 (p < 0.0001). With Frontiers in Immunology frontiersin.org 01

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) led to multiple drug repurposing clinical trials that have yielded largely uncertain outcomes. To overcome this challenge, we used IDentif.AI, a platform that pairs experimental validation with artificial intelligence (AI) and digital drug development to rapidly pinpoint unpredictable drug interactions and optimize infectious disease combination therapy design with clinically relevant dosages. IDentif.AI was paired with a 12‐drug candidate therapy set representing over 530,000 drug combinations against the SARS‐CoV‐2 live virus collected from a patient sample. IDentif.AI pinpointed the optimal combination as remdesivir, ritonavir, and lopinavir, which was experimentally validated to mediate a 6.5‐fold enhanced efficacy over remdesivir alone. Additionally, it showed hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin to be relatively ineffective. The study was completed within 2 weeks, with a three‐order of magnitude reduc...

ABSTRACTThe emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to the rapid initiation of urgently needed clinical trials of repurposed drug combinations and monotherapies. These regimens were primarily relying on mechanism-of-action based selection of drugs, many of which have yielded positive in vitro but largely negative clinical outcomes. To overcome this challenge, we report the use of IDentif.AI, a platform that rapidly optimizes infectious disease (ID) combination therapy design using artificial intelligence (AI). In this study, IDentif.AI was implemented on a 12-drug candidate therapy search set representing over 530,000 possible drug combinations. IDentif.AI demonstrated that the optimal combination therapy against SARS-CoV-2 was comprised of remdesivir, ritonavir, and lopinavir, which mediated a 6.5-fold improvement in efficacy over remdesivir alone. Additionally, IDentif.AI showed hydroxychloroquine an...

Rowell syndrome describes the occurrence of erythema multiforme-like lesions in patients with cutaneous lesions of lupus erythematosus. e clinical picture of atypical erythema multiforme-like lesions, presence of chilblains, speckled ANA pattern, anti-Ro/SSA, or anti-La/SSB antibodies, and absence of infectious or pharmacologic triggers in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus are some of the classic clinical and serologic features. Histopathologic and serologic findings can help differentiate this process from erythema multiforme. We present a case of young woman with systemic lupus erythematosus, end-stage renal disease due to lupus nephritis, and a remote history of Steven-Johnson syndrome due to sulfa allergy who presented to the hospital with a recurrent, progressive, targetoid erythematous rash involving more than 60% of her body surface area. Our patient had several hospitalizations in the recent past for this erythematous rash and had failed oral therapy with prednisone 1 mg/kg and hydroxychloroquine. In view of the minimal improvement and increasing severity and patient exhibiting early features of mast cell activation syndrome, the patient was treated with pulse intravenous glucocorticoids followed by rituximab with an excellent response. We highlight a unique case report of progressive Rowell syndrome refractory to standard of care with an excellent response to rituximab.

Rowell syndrome describes the occurrence of erythema multiforme-like lesions in patients with cutaneous lesions of lupus erythematosus. The clinical picture of atypical erythema multiforme-like lesions, presence of chilblains, speckled ANA pattern, anti-Ro/SSA, or anti-La/SSB antibodies, and absence of infectious or pharmacologic triggers in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus are some of the classic clinical and serologic features. Histopathologic and serologic findings can help differentiate this process from erythema multiforme. We present a case of young woman with systemic lupus erythematosus, end-stage renal disease due to lupus nephritis, and a remote history of Steven–Johnson syndrome due to sulfa allergy who presented to the hospital with a recurrent, progressive, targetoid erythematous rash involving more than 60% of her body surface area. Our patient had several hospitalizations in the recent past for this erythematous rash and had failed oral therapy with prednis...

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is a very rare disease, clinically characterized by facial nerve palsy, lips swelling and fissured tongue. Microscopically, it shows epithelioid non-caseating granulomas, but perivascular lymphocytic infiltrates have been described in few cases. Herein, the case of a patient with clinical diagnosis of MRS, successfully treated with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is reported. By histology, our patient showed perivascular and interstitial lymphocytic infiltrates (CD3+, CD8+>CD4+ lymphocytes) and no granulomatous feature; he did not respond to traditional therapies and was treated for 9 months with HCQ, achieving gradual upper lip size reduction with no relapse at 8 months follow-up. No side effect was reported. In conclusion, HCQ may be effective for treating MRS patients non responding to traditional therapies and different histological and immunohistochemical forms of MRS do apparently exist, very likely related to different host immune responses.

Background: Up to 60% of COVID-19 survivors develop long-COVID symptoms[1]. Musculoskeletal pain is also a common (~11%) symptom of long-COVID.[2] Current theories hypothesize that post-COVID pain can be widespread as in other chronic pain conditions. The presence of previous rheumatological diseases could act as a risk factor for the development of persistent widespread post-COVID pain due to a potentiation of pro-inflammatory responses seen during the infection or due to a less robust immune response. A previous pilot study investigated if rheumatological diseases were associated with post-COVID symptoms in a specific population of hospitalised COVID-19 survivors.[3] Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify if the presence of previous specific rheumatological diseases are risk factors for the development of widespread post-COVID pain in previously hospitalised and non-hospitalised COVID-19 survivors. Methods: We conducted a nationwide , cross-sectional exploratory study with a pain-related questionnaire collecting demographics, pre-existing rheumatological conditions and the development of widespread pain symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection from a Denmark-based population. Results: Data from 1.000 randomly previously hospitalised (51.2% males; 60.4±15.2 years; 85.6±18.5kg) and 1.000 randomly previously non-hospitalised COVID-19 survivors (43.5% males; 50.4±15.9 years; 79.2±16.6 kg) were analyzed. Distribution of gender (p<0.001), age (p<0.001), and weight (p<0.001) was different between groups. The presence of widespread pain symptoms six months after infection was higher (P<0.001) in hospitalised survivors (20%) as compared to non-hospitalised patients (4.2%). The presence of previous rheumatological conditions such as arthritis, osteoarthritis or joint pain were not associated with the development of widespread post-COVID pain in either group (all, P>0.1). Conclusion: This exploratory study shows that the presence of previous rheumatological conditions before SARS-CoV-2 infection was not a risk factor associated with development of widespread post-COVID pain symptomatology. Other risk factors e.g., female sex or the presence of musculoskeletal pain, could be more relevant for widespread post-COVID pain-related research.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) 2, a novel coronavirus from the same family as SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, has spread worldwide leading the World Health Organization to declare a pandemic. The disease caused by SARS-CoV2, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), presents flu-like symptoms which can become serious in high-risk individuals. Here, we provide an overview of the covid-19 diagnosis its treatments including pharmacological treatment, Ayurvedic, homeopathic, siddha, Unani treatment of covid-19 and control measure of covid-19. We found that infection is transmitted from human to human and through contact with contaminated environmental surfaces. Hand hygiene is fundamental to prevent contamination. Wearing personal protective equipment is recommended in specific environments. The main symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, fatigue, slight dyspnea, sore throat, headache, conjunctivitis and gastrointestinal issues. Molecular testing Real time PCR is used as a diagnostic tool using nasal swab, tracheal aspirate or bronchoalveolar lavage samples. Serology testing is performed by taking the blood, plasma, or serum of the patient and testing it for IgM and IgG antibodies. Imaging chest x-ray and Computed tomography findings are important for both diagnosis and follow-up. Specific High-sensitivity Enzymatic Reporter unlocking (SHERLOCK) is a rapid test. First, a sample is taken from the upper airway of a suspected COVID patient. To date, there is no evidence of any effective treatment for COVID-19. The main therapies being used to treat the disease are antiviral drugs, chloroquine / hydroxychloroquine and respiratory therapy. In conclusion, although many therapies have been proposed, quarantine is the only intervention that appears to be effective in decreasing the contagion rate. Specifically designed randomized clinical trials are needed to determine the most appropriate evidence-based treatment modality.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) 2, a novel coronavirus from the same family as SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, has spread worldwide leading the World Health Organization to declare a pandemic. The disease caused by SARS-CoV2, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), presents flu‐like symptoms which can become serious in high‐risk individuals. Here, we provide an overview of the covid-19 diagnosis its treatments including pharmacological treatment, Ayurvedic, homeopathic, siddha, Unani treatment of covid-19 and control measure of covid-19. We found that infection is transmitted from human to human and through contact with contaminated environmental surfaces. Hand hygiene is fundamental to prevent contamination. Wearing personal protective equipment is recommended in specific environments. The main symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, fatigue, slight dyspnea, sore throat, headache, conjunctivitis and gastrointestinal issues. Molecular ...

ObjectiveTo update the 2012 EULAR/ERA–EDTA recommendations for the management of lupus nephritis (LN).MethodsFollowing the EULAR standardised operating procedures, a systematic literature review was performed. Members of a multidisciplinary Task Force voted independently on their level of agreeement with the formed statements.ResultsThe changes include recommendations for treatment targets, use of glucocorticoids and calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) and management of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). The target of therapy is complete response (proteinuria &lt;0.5–0.7 g/24 hours with (near-)normal glomerular filtration rate) by 12 months, but this can be extended in patients with baseline nephrotic-range proteinuria. Hydroxychloroquine is recommended with regular ophthalmological monitoring. In active proliferative LN, initial (induction) treatment with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF 2–3 g/day or mycophenolic acid (MPA) at equivalent dose) or low-dose intravenous cyclophosphamide (CY; 500 mg...

The objective was to develop evidence-based recommendations for the management of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) in adults. Based on evidence from a systematic literature review and expert opinion, overarching principles and recommendations were formulated and voted. High-risk antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) profile is associated with greater risk for thrombotic and obstetric APS. Risk modification includes screening for and management of cardiovascular and venous thrombosis risk factors, patient education about treatment adherence, and lifestyle counselling. Low-dose aspirin (LDA) is recommended for asymptomatic aPL carriers, patients with systemic lupus erythematosus without prior thrombotic or obstetric APS, and non-pregnant women with a history of obstetric APS only, all with high-risk aPL profiles. Patients with APS and first unprovoked venous thrombosis should receive long-term treatment with vitamin K antagonists (VKA) with a target international normalised ratio (INR) of 2–...

Antimalarial drugs Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine have garnered most attention recently as a successful remedy for COVID19. However, the use of these drugs is still questionable due to its undetermined efficacy and side effects. The present study utilizes in-silico high throughput screening of FDA approved antiviral compounds and secondary plant metabolites against spike protein of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). This target was chosen because it is instrumental in entry of virus into human cells. It is observed that the plant compound Tocopheryl-curcumin has more affinity for spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 in comparison to the majority of FDA approved drugs. Tocopheryl-curcumin binds with the binding site of RBD domain of spike protein (6VSB, chain A) with free energy (∆G) of binding of -11.20 kcal/mol and makes strong hydrogen bonds with amino acid residues of S366, V367, L368, S373, and K529. Among the FDA approved drugs, Pibrentasvir obtains top rank with free energy (∆G) of bi...

This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.

This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.