RECOVERY Trial

RECOVERY Trial is a clinical trial initiated by the United Kingdom in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The trial aims to identify treatments that may be beneficial for people hospitalized with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. The RECOVERY (Randomised Evaluation of COVid-19 thERapY) Trial is one of the world's largest randomized trials for coronavirus treatments, testing a range of potential therapies.

Background

The RECOVERY Trial was launched in March 2020 as a randomized clinical trial to test a range of potential treatments for COVID-19, including low-dose dexamethasone, Hydroxychloroquine, Lopinavir-Ritonavir, Azithromycin, Convalescent plasma, and Tocilizumab. The trial is coordinated by the University of Oxford.

Methodology

The RECOVERY Trial uses a randomized controlled trial design, which is considered the gold standard in clinical research. Patients admitted to the participating hospitals with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 are randomly allocated to receive one of the trial treatments or the standard hospital care.

Findings

The RECOVERY Trial has made several significant findings since its inception. The trial found that low-dose dexamethasone, a steroid treatment, reduced deaths by one-third in ventilated patients and by one fifth in other patients receiving oxygen only. However, it found no benefit for patients who did not require respiratory support.

Impact

The findings of the RECOVERY Trial have had a significant impact on the treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients worldwide. The trial's results have influenced guidelines for the treatment of COVID-19 in the UK and globally.

See also

• COVID-19 pandemic
• Clinical trial
• University of Oxford