“Kit COVID” e suas manifestações clínicas: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract

Introduction: Given the emergence of Covid-19 and the fast pandemic evolution, the lack of demonstrably effective drugs brought the need to adopt off-label treatments in order to reduce patient symptoms, disease progression time, and mortality rate. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), chloroquine (CQ), azithromycin (AZT), and ivermectin (IVT) have been the most widely used drugs in Brazil and have become popularly known as the "Covid Kit". Objectives: This study was conducted between June 2021 and October 2022 and aimed to evaluate the efficacy of HCQ, CQ, AZT, and IVT, alone or in combination, in the treatment of patients with Covid-19, as well as to verify possible adverse effects, through a systematic review based on studies conducted in patients with Covid-19 who used these drugs as treatment. Methodology: This review used the Cochrane Handbook methodological model. The methodology of the scientific articles that were used for data extraction was evaluated for quality by Heyland's qualification (EQM), considering the EQM 8 of high quality. The databases used were Pubmed, MEDLINE and Portal Capes. Results: It was found that there is no benefit in the use (in safe doses) of HCQ/CQ, AZT and IVT alone or associated, regarding disease progression, symptom reduction and mortality. Despite the initial need to test experimental therapies, currently the "Covid Kit" is not shown to be more effective than the usual symptomatic care.