Characteristics and outcomes of admitted patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Uganda
Kirenga et al.,
Characteristics and outcomes of admitted patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Uganda,
BMJ Open Respiratory Research, doi:10.1136/bmjresp-2020-000646
Prospective 56 patients in Uganda, 29 HCQ and 27 control, showing 25.6% faster recovery with HCQ, 6.4 vs. 8.6 days (
p = 0.20). There was no ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, or death.
Treatment delay is not specified but at least a portion of patients appear to have been treated early.
median time to recovery, 25.6% lower, relative time 0.74, p = 0.20, treatment 29, control 27.
|
Effect extraction follows pre-specified rules prioritizing more serious outcomes. Submit updates
|
Kirenga et al., 9 Sep 2020, prospective, Uganda, peer-reviewed, 29 authors, dosage not specified.
Abstract: Characteristics and outcomes of
admitted patients infected with SARS-
CoV-2 in Uganda
Bruce Kirenga ,1 Winters Muttamba,1 Alex Kayongo,1 Christopher Nsereko,2
Trishul Siddharthan,3 John Lusiba,4 Levicatus Mugenyi,1 Rosemary K Byanyima,5
William Worodria,6 Fred Nakwagala,7 Rebecca Nantanda,1 Ivan Kimuli,1
Winceslaus Katagira,1 Bernard Sentalo Bagaya,8 Emmanuel Nasinghe,8
Hellen Aanyu-Tukamuhebwa,9 Beatrice Amuge,10 Rogers Sekibira,1
Esther Buregyeya,11 Noah Kiwanuka,11 Moses Muwanga,12 Samuel Kalungi,13
Moses Lutaakome Joloba,8 David Patrick Kateete,8 Baterana Byarugaba,7
Moses R Kamya,14 Henry Mwebesa,15 William Bazeyo16
To cite: Kirenga B,
Muttamba W, Kayongo A,
et al. Characteristics and
outcomes of admitted patients
infected with SARS-CoV-2 in
Uganda. BMJ Open Resp Res
2020;7:e000646. doi:10.1136/
bmjresp-2020-000646
ABSTRACT
Rationale Detailed data on the characteristics and
outcomes of patients with COVID-19 in sub-Saharan Africa
are limited.
Objective We determined the clinical characteristics and
treatment outcomes of patients diagnosed with COVID-19
in Uganda.
Measurements As of the 16 May 2020, a total of 203
►► Additional material is
cases had been confirmed. We report on the first 56
published online only. To
patients; 29 received hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and 27
view, please visit the journal
did not. Endpoints included admission to intensive care,
online (http://dx.doi.org/10.
mechanical ventilation or death during hospitalisation.
1136/bmjresp-2020-000646).
Main results The median age was 34.2 years; 67.9%
were male; and 14.6% were <18 years. Up 57.1% of
Received 21 May 2020
the patients were asymptomatic. The most common
Revised 24 August 2020
symptoms were fever (21.4%), cough (19.6%), rhinorrhea
Accepted 25 August 2020
(16.1%), headache (12.5%), muscle ache (7.1%) and
fatigue (7.1%). Rates of comorbidities were 10.7%
(pre-existing hypertension), 10.7% (diabetes) and 7.1%
(HIV), Body Mass Index (BMI) of ≥30 36.6%. 37.0% had
a blood pressure (BP) of >130/90 mm Hg, and 27.8%
had BP of >140/90 mm Hg. Laboratory derangements
were leucopenia (10.6%), lymphopenia (11.1%) and
thrombocytopenia (26.3%). Abnormal chest X-ray was
observed in 14.3%. No patients reached the primary
endpoint. Time to clinical recovery was shorter among
patients who received HCQ, but this difference did not
reach statistical significance.
Conclusion Most of the patients with COVID-19 presented
with mild disease and exhibited a clinical trajectory not
similar to other countries. Outcomes did not differ by HCQ
treatment status in line with other concluded studies on
© Author(s) (or their
the benefit of using HCQ in the treatment of COVID-19.
employer(s)) 2020. Re-use
permitted under CC BY-NC. No
commercial re-use. See rights
and permissions. Published by
BMJ.
For numbered affiliations see
end of article.
Correspondence to
Dr Bruce Kirenga;
brucekirenga@yahoo.co.uk
Please send us corrections, updates, or comments. Vaccines and
treatments are complementary. All practical, effective, and safe means should
be used based on risk/benefit analysis. No treatment, vaccine, or intervention
is 100% available and effective for all current and future variants. We do not
provide medical advice. Before taking any medication, consult a qualified
physician who can provide personalized advice and details of risks and
benefits based on your medical history and situation.
FLCCC and
WCH
provide treatment protocols.
Submit