Abstract

Background and Objectives: Based on the in-vitro studies Hydroxychloroquine sulphate (HCQS) was proposed as a potential therapeutic and prophylactic agent for Covid-19. We conducted a study to evaluate the role of HCQS as a prophylactic agent for Covid-19 among health care workers (HCW).

Methods: HCQS was offered to the HCWs of a tertiary care hospital catering both to Covid and non-Covid patients as a prophylactic agent. HCWs could choose to take or not take HCQS. Cross-sectional questionnaire based online survey was conducted among HCWs to study the HCQS usage and occurrence of covid19. Participants were grouped into HCQ (HCQS users) and non-HCQ (those who did not take HCQS) groups. The two groups were then compared for the occurrence of Covid-19.

Results: Out of 515 health care workers, 278 (54%) used tab HCQS while 237 (46%) did not take it at all. Of those who took, 218 (78% of HCQS users, 42% of total subjects) took HCQS regularly, while 60 (22% of HCQS users, 12% of total) used it irregularly. Out of 515 patients, 22 contracted Covid-19, 15 were HCQS users and 7 were not. No significant association between HCQS use and COVID-19 occurrence was found in our study.

Interpretations and Conclusion: Around half of the healthcare workers used HCQS for prophylaxis of Covid-19. There was no significant difference in the covid-19 positivity among HCQS and non HCQS group; however, the numbers are small for conclusive evidence. As HCQS is known to help in reducing the cytokine storm, the possibility that it helped in controlling the severity of disease cannot be ruled out based on this study. Definitive data from larger randomized controlled trials from a wide array of population groups would be helpful in the forthcoming future with regard to risk-benefit assessment and rational use of HCQS.

Keywords: COVID-19; Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate; Healthcare Workers; Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis

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