Coronavirus: a study in Senegal confirms the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine

The controversial chloroquine and its derivative hydroxychloroquine are currently being tested in several countries, alongside other molecules, against Covid-19. GERARD JULIEN / AFP

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In Senegal, the first preliminary results of the study on the use of chloroquine to treat patients with coronavirus are now known. The molecule was prescribed to certain patients at the Fann hospital in Dakar by Professor Moussa Seydi. On May 2, the doctor released his first findings. According to a sample of 181 patients, hydroxychloroquine would allow faster healing.

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With our correspondent in Dakar, William de Lesseux

In the panel of 181 patients treated by Moussa Seydi , all the patients survived. This sample was divided into three categories. The first type of patient corresponds to the controls, those who did not take hydroxychloroquine. Half of them left the hospital after 13 days.

Then there are those who have been prescribed the molecule. With chloroquine, healing is faster. It takes eleven days, or 48 hours less for half of these patients, to eradicate the virus. Finally, a last minority group was administered in addition: azithromycin, an antibiotic to avoid secondary infection. They left the hospital after just nine days, says Moussa Seydi. For him, these results are still preliminary but satisfactory.

In all the patients who benefited from hydroxychloroquine treatment and who consulted early, no complications were noted, even fewer cases of death ," he said. We will continue our treatment with hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin  ”.

At the same time, the professor conducted a second study in which 362 patients received only hydroxychloroquine. The goal is to assess the side effects of the substance. Only twelve patients experienced adverse effects.

► Read also: Senegal has decided to experiment with chloroquine to treat its coronavirus patients

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  • Senegal
  • Health and Medicine
  • Coronavirus

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