The Effect of Pre-admission Hydroxychloroquine Treatment on COVID-19-Related Intensive Care Follow-up in Geriatric Patients

Abstract

Objective: The admission rates to intensive care units and mortalities in geriatric patients are higher than the rest of the population with COVID-19 infection. Although the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine sulfate has been recognized, especially when started early during infection, its effectiveness at these early time points in geriatric patients has not been investigated. In this study, our primary aim was to investigate the effects of early treatment of hydroxychloroquine sulfate on COVID-19 positive geriatric patients, according to their clinical symptoms, situation before the intensive care, and patient survival. Methods: A total of 147 geriatric patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in the intensive care unit were divided into three groups: Patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit from the emergency department but did not receive treatment (Group 1); from the service for whose a 5-day treatment was initiated but not completed (Group 2); and those who completed 5-days of drug therapy (Group 3). Results: Although demographic data were similar between the three groups, the age parameters were significantly differed between them. Furthermore, there was no difference between the groups regarding mortality rate, discharge time, or extubation. The time to mortality and the duration of mechanical ventilation were found to be significantly shorter in Group 1 (p=0.001). Conclusion: No significant effect was observed on patient survival and outcome due to early administration of hydroxychloroquine sulfate.According to our main findings, this study cannot recommend pre-admission hydroxychloroquine treatment for critically ill geriatric patients with COVID-19.