A Game Changer in UK Covid 19 Testing
A possible game changer in UK testing. As we look with apprehension on what could happen during the current pandemic caused by Covid19, with the NHS leading the charge in looking after the people who require medical intervention. We can take a few glimmers of hope because two of the countries greatest universities. Cambridge and Oxford University are currently working on a trial called "Recovery".
Testing Trials
The Trial has already begun with the successful role out of a new, better, faster more accurate method of detecting Covid 19. Cambridge University in collaboration with Oxford University have begun the trial of the Samba II. Thanks to the donation made from the businessman and philanthropist Sir Chris Hohn who donated $3 million Dollars. Although we do need to be patient in its results, it is hoped to be rolled out nationally to help those patients who require urgent testing.
Update On the Recovery Trial
The national RECOVERY trial, led in Southampton by Dr Sophie Fletcher, has shown low-dose dexamethasone can save the lives of patients with serious COVID-19. While most people with COVID-19 recover without needing to go to hospital. Those with more serious infections often need oxygen or a mechanical ventilator.
Low-dose dexamethasone treatment reduced the deaths by up to a third for patients on ventilators, and a fifth for those on oxygen, the trial found. The NHS is now working to quickly make this treatment available to these patients.
The National trial
The Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy (RECOVERY) trial, led by the University of Oxford. Is the world's biggest trial testing existing treatments to see if they can treat COVID-19. A total of 2104 patients had 6 mg of dexamethasone once a day (either by mouth or by intravenous injection) for ten days. The results were compared to 4321 patients who had usual care. Dexamethasone reduced deaths by a third in ventilated patients and by a fifth in patients receiving oxygen. The treatment did not help COVID-19 patients who were not on oxygen or a ventilator.
The trial continues to test multiple potential treatments in parallel for COVID-19 patients in NHS hospitals across the UK. Adding new treatments and stopping others as new evidence emerges.
Benefits of Dexamethasone
Low-dose dexamethasone seems to help protect patients against the damage caused by a cytokine storm. A potentially deadly overreaction to the virus by the immune system. It is a steroid already used to treat inflammation in other conditions, including arthritis, asthma and some skin conditions. So is widely available for use. This means healthcare providers across the world will already have stocks of this drug available. They can quickly start using this treatment to treat patients with serious COVID-19.
“This is the first treatment for COVID-19 that can save lives. This is an enormous achievement, and proves the worth of using clinical trials to identify new COVID-19 treatments,” commented Dr Sophie Fletcher.
“I thank all of my colleagues who have worked so hard to get us to this point. It is not, however, a miracle cure and we will continue to test the most promising treatments.”
The RECOVERY trial still needs more hospitalised patients with COVID-19. If you are a healthcare professional working with COVID-19 patients at UHS, find out how to recruit patients.
Please take a moment to read the articles below and share, tweet, talk about it to friends. We need to talk about the positive fight against the virus and move together each day. Looking forward, not backwards to more people helping one another. A united fight across the UK and other countries against Covid 19. #nhs #workingtogether #stayathome