SARS-COV-2 TREATMENT WITH HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE AND VITAMIN C: COMPARATIVE RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF ORAL MUCOSAL CHANGES BY HEMATOLOGY TESTING DURING TWO PERIODS

Abstract

Objectives. To compare two methods of COVID-19 treatment based on hematology test results and oral cavity manifestations. Materials and methods. The first part of the study included patients in the period from May to July 2020 with coronavirus infection; another part of the study was conducted in the period from August to October 2020. Two groups received different treatment: 1) with hydroxychloroquine and 2) with without hydroxychloroquine. Results. C-reactive protein was elevated in 173 (89%) in the hydroxychloroquine group and in 30 (81%) patients in group without hydroxychloroquine (p<.01). As well, INR, Quick prothrombin, D-dimer and neutrophils were statistically different. Hydroxychloroquine treatment showed a decrease in symptoms within 7-10 days while Vitamin C protocol demonstrated health improvements in 4-5 days. Patients from hydroxychloroquine group demonstrated pigmentation in the attached gingiva on both maxilla and mandibula (n=80; 41.4%) and in hard palate (n=3; 1.5%) Lentigo was revealed in 23 (10.8%) patients in both lips. None of the patients from the second group had any of manifestations. Conclusion. Oral changes are not primary in the oral cavity in COVID-19.