Shining a light on the evidence for hydroxychloroquine in SARS-CoV-2
Nicholas E. Ingraham, David R. Boulware, Matthew A. Sparks, Timothy W. Schacker, Bradley Benson, Jeffrey A. Sparks, Thomas A. Murray, John E. Connett, Jeffrey G. Chipman, Anthony Charles, Christopher J. Tignanelli
Abstract
The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has stunned the world, financial markets, and healthcare systems. Researchers are rushing to identify effective treatments while maintaining rigorous adherence to the scientific method. Clinicians are doing their best to provide evidence-based care in a setting of very little good evidence. To date, no effective treatments exist for COVID-19 management. Unfortunately, traditional and social media coupled with world leader commentary have led some to believe hydroxychloroquine offers a bona fide cure and even prevention. The purpose of this commentary is to review the medical literature related to hydroxychloroquine building on knowledge over the past 17 years since the 2003 SARS-CoV epidemic.