HCQ was significantly associated with reduction / elimination of viral load, which was enhanced with AZ. Updated 8/13: responses to this paper have raised methodological issues [1, 2, 3].
Despite the limitations, this early observational study was a milestone in the discovery process, including detailed daily evolution of PCR positivity. This study should be viewed in the context of the series of studies from this group.
An update to this paper, including originally excluded patients, confirms the effectiveness of HCQ+AZ on viral clearance and early discharge [4].
Gautret et al., 3/17/2020, prospective, France, Europe, peer-reviewed, 18 authors, dosage 200mg tid days 1-10.
risk of no virological cure at day 6, 66.0% lower, RR 0.34, p = 0.001, treatment 6 of 20 (30.0%), control 14 of 16 (87.5%).