21. Sep. 2020
The first edition of a living systematic review of randomized clinical trials comparing the effects of all treatment interventions for participants in all age groups with COVID-19 is out.
The international research team behind the Living Systematic Review published their first findings.
"Our results show that dexamethasone and remdesivir might be beneficial for COVID-19 patients, but the certainty of the evidence was low to very low, so more trials are needed."
The research team can exclude the possibility of hydroxychloroquine versus standard care reducing the risk of death and serious adverse events by 20% or more. The findings also showed that:
- Dexamethasone may reduce all-cause mortality and need for mechanical ventilation in COVID-19 patients.
- Remdesivir may reduce serious adverse events in COVID-19 patients, but the clinical effects and the optimal treatment duration need confirmation.
- More high-quality, low risk of bias randomized clinical trials are urgently needed.
Otherwise, no evidence-based treatment for COVID-19 currently exists.
- You can access the article here: PLOS Medicine
The Living Systematic Review will continuously inform best practice in treatment and clinical research of COVID-19.
