Rheumotologitsts’ view on the use of hydroxychloroquine to treatCOVID-19

摘要

The current pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acuterespiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) calls urgently for effective therapies.Anti-malarial medicine chloroquine (CQ) and particularly its chemical analoguehydroxychloroquine (HCQ) have been recommended as promising candidate therapeutics thatare now under either compassionate off-label use or clinical trials for the treatment ofCOVID-19 patients. However, there are public concerns and disputes about both the safetyand efficacy of CQ and HCQ for this new application. Given the fact that for decades HCQhas been approved as an immunomodulatory drug for the long term treatment of chronicrheumatic diseases, as experienced rheumatologists, we would like to share our thoughts inthis regard and trigger a brainstorm among clinical care providers for exchanging theirdiverse opinions on this urgent topic.