TLDR Existing drug dexamethasone may lower death risk in severe COVID-19 cases; more research needed for other drugs.
The document from September 29, 2020, explores the possibility of using existing drugs to treat COVID-19, with a focus on the field of endocrinology. It identifies that COVID-19 can lead to worse outcomes in individuals with certain conditions such as aging, uncontrolled diabetes, and obesity. The paper points out the significance of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), and TMPRSS2 in the virus's infectivity. Dexamethasone, a glucocorticoid, was the only drug with emerging evidence for treating severely affected COVID-19 patients at the time. Other drugs like anti-androgens, statins, and ACE inhibitors were considered for their potential effects but lacked specific evidence for COVID-19 treatment. The document concludes that while dexamethasone may reduce mortality in severely ill patients, other treatments should be limited to clinical research studies until their efficacy is proven, and emphasizes the need for clinical trials to establish the efficacy of these drugs in treating COVID-19.
Cited in this study
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49 citations
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January 2021 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Anti-androgens, like finasteride, dutasteride, and spironolactone, may lessen the severity of COVID-19 in men, leading to fewer ICU admissions.
47 citations
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July 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Androgenetic alopecia linked to COVID-19 severity; drugs reducing androgen receptor activation may help.
134 citations
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July 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Male pattern hair loss could hint at androgens affecting COVID-19 severity.
71 citations
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July 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Genetic differences may affect COVID-19 deaths; anti-androgens could be potential treatment.
22 citations
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November 2018 in “Breast Cancer Research and Treatment” The medications 5α-reductase inhibitors and spironolactone are generally safe for breast cancer patients on endocrine therapies and do not significantly increase breast cancer risk.
23 citations
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October 2018 in “Expert Opinion on Drug Safety” Consider benefits and risks of new alopecia treatments for safety.
12 citations
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March 2013 in “Gynecological Endocrinology” The study found a significant link between the renin-angiotensin system and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
108 citations
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April 2008 in “The Journal of urology/The journal of urology” Inhibiting 5α-reductase can help reduce prostate cancer risk and improve treatment.