Statistically significant lower risk is seen for mortality and progression. 29 studies from 27 independent teams in 11 countries show statistically significant improvements.
Meta analysis using the most serious outcome reported shows 12% [6‑17%] lower risk. Results are similar for higher quality and peer-reviewed studies and worse for Randomized Controlled Trials. Early treatment is more effective than late treatment.
Studies to date do not show a significant benefit for mechanical ventilation and ICU admission. Benefit may be more likely without coadministered anticoagulants. The RECOVERY RCT shows 4% [-4‑11%] lower mortality for all patients, however when restricting to non-LMWH patients there was 17% [-4‑34%] improvement, comparable with the mortality results of all studies, 11% [5‑17%], and the 16% improvement in the REMAP-CAP RCT.
No treatment or intervention is 100% effective. All practical, effective, and safe means should be used based on risk/benefit analysis. Multiple treatments are typically used in combination, and other treatments are significantly more effective.
All data to reproduce this paper and sources are in the appendix. Other meta analyses show significant improvements with aspirin for mortality Banaser, Baral, Srinivasan and mechanical ventilation Banaser.
Covid Analysis et al., Apr 2024, preprint, 1 author.
