Hydroxychloroquine Use on Healthcare Workers Exposed to COVID-19 - A Pandemic Hospital Experience

Objective: As healthcare professionals play a role in combating the COVID-19 outbreak, the risk of disease exposure and illness increases. In our study, we aimed to measure the effectiveness of post-contact use in order to protect the healthcare professionals who work very intensively during the outbreak. Method: A total of 208 healthcare workers who applied to Employee Health Unit section between the dates 25 March-25 April 2020 with a history of contact with COVID-19 patients were included in the study. Employees were evaluated in low, moderate and high risk groups according to the Contact Risk Algorithm included in the Evaluation of Healthcare Workers Guidelines with COVID-19 theme. Three-day hydroxychloroquine treatment was initiated to 138 healthcare professionals who were considered as high risk. The treatment regimen was arranged as 2x400 mg on the first day and 2x200 mg on the 2 nd and 3 rd days. The COVID-19 positivity rates were analyzed according to the contact risk groups Results: There was a statistically significant difference between occupational groups according to contact risk groups (p<0.01); the rate of contact risk of nurses in the middle, and the doctors in the high risk groups was found to be significantly higher. When the COVID-19 positivity rates were analyzed according to the contact risk groups, the COVID-19 positivity rates were 9.4% in the high-, 16.3% in the moderate and 14.3% in the low-risk groups. The contact was found to be related to the COVID-19 test, and the positivity rate from contact with the patient was found to be significantly high (p<0.01). Conclusion: Recommendations about hydroxychloroquine for postexposure prophylaxis vary. Hydroxychloroquine can be a possible effective agent in postexposure prophylaxis. We think that conducting similar studies on larger samples can provide significant benefits to individuals and public health.