New Study Links touted hydroxychloroquine to higher mortality

A new study involving 96,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine  to an increased risk of serious heart rhythm complications that can end in death. The study size is particularly large and broad.

Mandeep Mehra is the lead author of the paper  published in the journal The Lancet. He is the Executive Director of the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Center for Advanced Heart Disease in Boston. He noted “This is the first large scale study to find statistically robust evidence that treatment with chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine does not benefit patients with COVID-19,”

The findings further added it is associated with an increased risk of serious heart problems and increased risk of death,”

The scientists found that, the risk of mortality rose by an alarming 34 percent for those given hydroxychloroquine. The risk of developing serious heart problems rose 137 percent. More specifically, it is found to be associated with “de-novo ventricular arrhythmia,” a condition in which the heart beats too fast, preventing oxygen-rich blood from reaching the brain and body. Hydroxychloroquine is used to treat autoimmune diseases like lupus, but many people are taking it to ward off coronavirus.

Previous Studies

Previous studies had similar outcomes as Mehra and his colleagues. The researchers however noted that it is too early to make clear cut statements. When asked if hospital staff who take the drug for prophylaxis should stop on a BBC interview. He was quick to mention that they should not. However, he suggested the US President should stop taking the drug. Trump told reporters earlier this week that he is actively taking the controversial drug.

Read more: 15,000-YEAR-OLD VIRUSES AWAKENED?

Unverified Claims

The US President was quoted by the BBC  saying: “I’m taking it for about a week and a half now and I’m still here, I’m still here.” “I’ve heard a lot of good stories [about hydroxychloroquine] and if it’s not good, I’ll tell you right I’m not going to get hurt by it.”

Currently, there is no evidence linking hydroxychloroquine to  the cure of COVID19

When combined with antibiotics, the drug with , is linked to a greater increase in the risk of death. This is something Mr Trump seems to be doing.

It’s a troubling conclusion, but the science still isn’t 100 percent verified.

“Randomized clinical trials are essential to confirm any harms or benefits associated with these agents. these drugs should not be used as treatments for COVID-19 outside of clinical trials.”” Mehra said in the statement.