The possible beneficial role of the regular use of potent mouthwash solutions in the treatment of COVID-19
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN10197987 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN10197987 |
| Secondary identifying numbers | MRC 05-106 |
- Submission date
- 03/10/2020
- Registration date
- 05/10/2020
- Last edited
- 16/12/2022
- Recruitment status
- No longer recruiting
- Overall study status
- Completed
- Condition category
- Infections and Infestations
Plain English Summary
Background and study aims
COVID-19 is a condition caused by the coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2) that was first identified in late 2019. This virus can infect the respiratory (breathing) system. Some people do not have symptoms but can carry the virus and pass it on to others. People who have developed the condition may develop a fever and/or a continuous cough among other symptoms. This can develop into pneumonia. Pneumonia is a chest infection where the small air pockets of the lungs, called alveoli, fill with liquid and make it more difficult to breathe.
In 2020, the virus has spread to many countries around the world and neither a vaccine against the virus or specific treatment for COVID-19 has yet been developed. As of March 2020, it is advised that people minimize travel and social contact, and regularly wash their hands to reduce the spread of the virus.
Groups who are at a higher risk from infection with the virus, and therefore of developing COVID-19, include people aged over 70 years, people who have long-term health conditions (such as asthma or diabetes), people who have a weakened immune system and people who are pregnant. People in these groups, and people who might come into contact with them, can reduce this risk by following the up-to-date advice to reduce the spread of the virus.
Some over-the-counter mouthwash solutions have been shown to kill bacteria and viruses in laboratory studies. This study aims to test this effect in people with COVID-19.
Who can participate?
Patients aged 18 and older who have tested positive for COVID-19
What does the study involve?
Participants will be randomly allocated to receive a strong mouthwash solution, to be used 3 times a day for 2 weeks, or treatment as usual.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Possible benefits include faster recovery and fewer secondary bacterial infections in the upper respiratory tract. Possible risks include mouth irritation, especially if there are mouth ulcers or sensitivity to the components, as well as digestive system irritation if hydrogen peroxide is ingested in quantities larger than the total daily recommended dose.
Where is the study run from?
1. Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital (Qatar)
2. Communicable Disease Center - Hamad Medical Corporation (Qatar)
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
April 2020 to November 2020
Who is funding the study?
Hamad Medical Corporation (Qatar)
Who is the main contact?
Dr Khalid Mukhtar
kmukhter@hamad.qa
Contact information
Scientific
Medical Research Center
Hamad Medical City
Doha Industrial Area (west)
Doha
-
Qatar
 ORCID ID |
0000-0002-9261-731X |
|---|---|
| Phone | +974 (0)77446394 |
| kmukhter@hamad.qa |
Study information
| Study design | Interventional randomized parallel trial |
|---|---|
| Primary study design | Interventional |
| Secondary study design | Randomised parallel trial |
| Study setting(s) | Hospital |
| Study type | Treatment |
| Participant information sheet | No participant information sheet available |
| Scientific title | Effect of regular use of hydrogen peroxide and chlorhexidine gluconate mixed solution for mouth wash and gargles on the COVID-19 recovery rate: a randomized controlled trial |
| Study hypothesis | The development and progression of the disease following exposure to SARS-CoV-2 is affected by the microbial communities in the oral cavity; proposing a "complicit agent" hypothesis, either a single microbial agent effect (presence of complicit or absence of a protective) or the state of dysbiosis in general. Meanwhile, game theory and evolutionary biology suggests that inhibiting cooperation - reciprocal altruism - between two organisms can negatively affect their survival. The researchers propose that regular use of potent mouthwash can improve the disease course, as the strain of the continual reduction in the microbial load is likely to inhibit their cooperation. |
| Ethics approval(s) | Approved 20/08/2020, Hamad Medical Corporations' Medical Research Center IRB (Medical Research Center, Hamad Medical City, Doha, Qatar; +974 (0)5554 6316; IRB@hamad.qa), ref: MRC 05-106 |
| Condition | COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 infection) |
| Intervention | New admissions (24 hrs) will be screened for eligibility. Recruited subjects will be randomly allocated to either the study or control group. Study group: Potent disinfectant solution (10 ml Chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% + 5 ml of hydrogen peroxide 6%) will be provided three times daily for 2 weeks, to be used for mouth rinse and gargles (>30 sec) and to avoid eating or drinking for at least 5 more minutes Control group: treatment as usual |
| Intervention type | Other |
| Primary outcome measure | 1. Recovery assessed using clinical improvement along with a negative COVID RT-PCR test at 5 and 15 days of starting treatment 2. Changes in the CT-values of COVID-19 RT-PCR inconclusive test at 5 and 15 days of starting treatment |
| Secondary outcome measures | 1. Clinical symptoms assessed using the Sore Throat Assessment Tool for the first 5 days 2. COVID progression (ICU intubation vs discharge or transfer to quarantine) recorded by reviewing medical records within the study duration 3. Hospital stay measured using (days) at discharge; or at the end of study for those remained admitted 4. Disposition type (discharged/death) measured using hospital records entries at the time of discharge, or reported mortality during hospital stay |
| Overall study start date | 30/04/2020 |
| Overall study end date | 20/11/2020 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | Patient |
|---|---|
| Age group | Adult |
| Lower age limit | 18 Years |
| Sex | Both |
| Target number of participants | 100 |
| Total final enrolment | 100 |
| Participant inclusion criteria | 1. Age 18 years and older 2. COVID-19 reported via positive PCR within 2 weeks of admission 3. Conscious, oriented and can comprehend the study purpose and risks |
| Participant exclusion criteria | 1. Pregnancy (females) 2. Intubated (at the time of recruitment) or had any reported cognitive impairment that can prevent proper comprehension of the study or communicating side effects 3. Contra-indication for mouth wash use, e.g. reported allergies to the solution constituents, recent facial/head injuries, maxillofacial conditions |
| Recruitment start date | 08/09/2020 |
| Recruitment end date | 01/10/2020 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- Qatar
Study participating centres
Doha Industrial Area (west)
Doha
-
Qatar
Doha
-
Qatar
Sponsor information
Industry
Medical Research Center
Hamad Medical City
Doha
-
Qatar
| Phone | +974 (0)40256410 |
|---|---|
| irb@hamad.qa | |
| Website | https://www.hamad.qa/EN/Pages/default.aspx |
"ROR" |
https://ror.org/02zwb6n98 |
Funders
Funder type
Industry
No information available
Results and Publications
| Intention to publish date | 30/11/2020 |
|---|---|
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | Yes |
| IPD sharing plan summary | Available on request |
| Publication and dissemination plan | Planned publication in a high-impact peer-reviewed journal. |
| IPD sharing plan | The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. Kmukhter@gmail.com |
Study outputs
| Output type | Details | Date created | Date added | Peer reviewed? | Patient-facing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preprint results | non-peer-reviewed results in preprint | 30/11/2020 | 16/03/2021 | No | No |
| Basic results | 04/05/2021 | 05/05/2021 | No | No |
Additional files
- ISRCTN10197987_BasicResults_04May2021.docx
- uploaded 05/05/2021
Editorial Notes
16/12/2022: The participant level data sharing statement was added.
05/05/2021: The basic results have been uploaded as an additional file.
16/03/2021: Preprint reference added.
05/10/2020: Trial's existence confirmed by Hamad Medical Corporations' Medical Research Center IRB.
