A Comparison of Ivermectin and Non Ivermectin Based Regimen for COVID-19 in Abuja: Effects on Virus Clearance, Days-to-discharge and Mortality

Aim: To compare outcomes from ivermectin (IVM) - and non-ivermectin (NIVM)-based treatments for COVID-19 in Abuja, Nigeria.

Methods: Sixty-one consecutive virology-proven cases were recruited and managed with IVM-based regimes. A subsequent cohort of 26 patients was treated with NIVM due to physician preference, with varying combinations of lopinavir/ritonavir (Alluvia), remdesivir, azithromycin, and enoxapramin. All patients received zinc sulfate, vitamin C and supportive therapy. Propensity matching was carried out as indicated, and Repeat Measures Analysis of Variance (RMANOVA) allowing for time*treatment interaction was carried out for time dependent variables, deriving Likelihood Ratio (LR) and P values.

Main Outcome Measures: Change in cycle threshold (viral load) over time, positivity status by day 5, improvement in clinical status using myalgia scores, days to discharge (DTD), change in SpO2 and death.

Results: IVM was associated with a greater and faster reduction in viral clearance (LR=64.2 p< 0.0001 for the N gene): 31% and 95% were negative by days 5 and 14, respectively, versus 0% on NIVM. The mean DTD on IVM was 8.8 days versus 19.4 days, p< 0.0001. IVM proved significantly superior for Myalgia scores, LR= 23.45, P=0.0007. The mortality rate was 0/61 (0%) in IVM but 4/26 (15.3%) in NIVM. Three of the 4 deaths were in females, and 2 had been vaccinated, one fully. The SP02% increased significantly more on IVM (p < 0.0001 RMANOVA) than the NIVM group. C-reactive protein and D-dimer levels dropped significantly more sharply during IVM (P= 0.0068, 0.063), suggesting anti-inflammatory and antifibrinolytic activity.

Conclusions: The IVM-based regimen caused earlier discharge from treatment and reduced mortality, in addition to clinical and laboratory improvements. Vaccination did not protect some patients from SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection and mortality.