Michigan Study Shows Lower Mortality Rates with Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin

Posted on by Jesse Santiano, M.D.



A new study published in the  International Journal of Infectious Diseases shows that the combined use of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin lowers the mortality rate of hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19.

The study was done at Henry Ford Hospital System (HFHS) Detroit, Michigan. The (HFHS) is a large six-hospital integrated health system. It includes an 802 academic teaching hospital.

The research was conducted on 2,541 patients 18 years and older who are hospitalized for more than 48 hours from March 10  to May 2, 2020

The group was divided into four:

  1. Hydroxychloroquine only
  2. Hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin combination
  3. Azithromycin alone
  4. Neither drug

Results in Terms of Mortality (Death Rate)

The data below show the number of people who died (numerator) over the total number of patients who received the medication/s (denominator). The mortality or death rate is in percent. The lower the percent, the better.

The overall the mortality rate for admitted patients is 18.1%

  1. Hydroxychloroquine alone – 162/1202                   (13.5%) 
  2. Hydroxychloroquine+Azithromycin  – 157/783    (20.1%)
  3. Azithromycin alone – 33/147                                     (22.4%)
  4. Neither drug – 108/409                                                (26.4%)

The numbers show that patients who were given hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin have the lowest chance of dying at 13.5%. In comparison, those who did not get hydroxychloroquine nor azithromycin have the highest probability of dying at 26.4%.

The Predictors of Mortality

If the following are present, there is a higher risk of dying.

  1. Age ≥ 65 years
  2. White Race
  3. Chronic Kidney Disease
  4. Low oxygen levels upon admission
  5. Ventilator use during admission

No Documented Torsade de Pointes

Torsade de Pointes (TdP) is a potential cardiac complication with the use of hydroxychloroquine or azithromycin. When both drugs are combined, there is a higher risk of developing TdP.

In hospitals, patients who take medicines like hydroxychloroquine or azithromycin that can potentially induce a heart rhythm change are always on cardiac monitors.

In this study, no patients developed torsade the pointes.

Torsade de pointes is a type of irregular and disordered heart rhythm that is potentially life-threatening if left untreated. Torsade can be prevented as long as the patients who are at high risk at developing it are identified.

This study and its data can be further scrutinized if the reader is inclined here.

Take-Away Message

This study shows that hydroxychloroquine alone or in combination with azithromycin can lower the risk of dying in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

Knowledge about Covid-19 is rapidly evolving. Information may update as new researches are done. Stay current by subscribing.

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Reference:

Arshad et al. Treatment with Hydroxychloroquine, Azithromycin, and Combination in Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19. International Journal of Infectious Diseases. Elsevier. Available online 2 July 2020

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