Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 6, 2025
Author Spotlight: Evaluating the Adjuvant Efficacy and Safety of Angong Niuhuang Pill in Viral Encephalitis Treatment
Published on: April 19, 2024
Clinical efficacy of iodine complex in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients with mild to moderate symptoms: study protocol
Sohaib Ashraf1, Shoaib Ashraf2, Moneeb Ashraf3
1Department of Cardiology, Shaikh Zayed Post-Graduate Medical Institute, Lahore, Pakistan. sohaib@skzmdc.edu.pk.
Background:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the novel coronavirus-infected millions globally. Despite a wide range of advised options for the treatment of COVID-19, a single strategy to tackle this pandemic remains elusive, thus far. That is why we are conducting a clinical trial to find out the efficacy of iodine complex to clear a viral load of severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) along with a reduction in time taken to alleviate symptoms.
Method:
The proposed study is a placebo-controlled, add-on, randomized trial using parallel group designs. This is a closed-label and adaptive with sample size reassessment, multi-centered design with a 1:1:1:1 allocation ratio and superiority framework. It will be conducted in Shaikh Zayed Post-Graduate Medical Complex, Ali Clinic, and Doctors Lounge, Lahore, Pakistan. This study will have three arms of mild to moderately symptomatic COVID-19 patients (50 patients in each) which will receive ionic-iodine polymer complex with 200 mg of elemental iodine: interventional arm A will have encapsulated, arm B will receive suspension syrup form, arm C will get throat spray, while arm X will be standard care with placebo. Data will be collected on self-constructed, close-ended questionnaires after obtaining written consent. Data will be analyzed using SAS version 9.4. COVID-19 patients will be monitored by RT-PCR and HRCT (high-resolution computed tomography) chest. In addition to these, the duration of the symptomatic phase and mortality benefits will be analyzed in both groups.
Discussion:
The study is designed to measure the superior efficacy of the iodine complex as an add-on in treating COVID-19-positive patients with mild to moderate symptoms. This combination is hypothesized to improve various parameters like rapid viral load reduction, clinical and radiological improvement, lower mortality, and reduction in hospitalization. The trial will aid in devising a better strategy to cope with COVID-19 in a relatively inexpensive and accessible way. The implications are global, and this could prove itself to be the most manageable intervention against COVID-19 especially for patients from limited-resource countries with deprived socioeconomic status.
Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04473261 . Registered on July 16, 2020.
Insights
This clinical trial investigates an iodine complex for treating COVID-19, aiming to reduce viral load and symptom duration. The study hypothesizes that this intervention offers an accessible and inexpensive strategy for managing coronavirus disease 2019.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has led to millions of infections globally.
- Existing treatments for COVID-19 lack a universally effective strategy.
- This study explores a novel therapeutic approach for managing coronavirus disease 2019.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of an iodine complex as an add-on therapy for mild to moderate COVID-19.
- To determine if the iodine complex can reduce viral load and shorten symptom duration in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients.
- To assess the potential of this intervention to lower mortality and hospitalization rates.
Main Methods:
- A placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel-group trial with a 1:1:1:1 allocation ratio.
- Three intervention arms receiving different forms of an ionic-iodine polymer complex (encapsulated, suspension, throat spray) alongside standard care.
- Standard care with placebo as the control arm, with data collected via questionnaires and analyzed using SAS 9.4.
- Patient monitoring through RT-PCR and HRCT chest, analyzing symptomatic phase duration and mortality benefits.
Main Results:
- The study is designed to measure the superior efficacy of the iodine complex.
- Hypothesized improvements include rapid viral load reduction, clinical and radiological enhancement, and decreased mortality.
- The trial aims to provide data on the effectiveness of iodine complex in managing COVID-19 symptoms and outcomes.
Conclusions:
- The iodine complex shows potential as an effective add-on treatment for COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate symptoms.
- This intervention is hypothesized to offer a cost-effective and accessible strategy for managing the pandemic.
- The findings could have global implications, particularly for resource-limited settings, providing a manageable intervention against SARS-CoV-2.
More Related Videos
04:53A Clinical Trial Assessing the Safety, Efficacy, and Delivery of Olive-Oil-Based Three-Chamber Bags for Parenteral Nutrition
Published on: September 20, 2019
03:40Acupoint Catgut Embedding Therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine for Managing Allergic Rhinitis
Published on: December 20, 2024
Related Concept Videos
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
01:23Redox Titration: Iodimetry and Iodometry
01:26Tonsillitis II: Management
01:17Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
01:28Antimicrobial Effectiveness