Meta-analytic magic, ivermectin, and socially responsible reporting

• DOI: 10.7196/samj.2021.v111i10.16021
• Publication Date: 2021-10-09T18:30:53Z
• Authors: A G Parrish; M Blockman; K Cohen; H Dawood; R De Waal; A L Gray; T Kredo; T D Leong; J Nel; H Rees; G Reubenson
• Keywords: Magic bullet; Pandemic

Some clinicians prescribe ivermectin for COVID-19 despite a lack of support from any credible South African professional body. They argue that when faced by clinical urgency, weak signals efficacy should trigger action if harm is unlikely. Several recent reviews found an apparent mortality benefit including studies at high risk bias and with active rather than placebo controls. If these are discounted, the pooled effect no longer statistically significant, evidence very weak. Relying on this could cause used to justify vaccine hesitancy. Clinicians remain responsible ensuring guidance they follow both legitimate reliable. In debate, evidence-based medicine (EBM) principles have largely been ignored under guise thatin pandemic 'rules different', probably detriment vulnerable patients certainly profession's image. Medical schools interest groups transforming EBM taught but seldom-used tool into process lifelong learning, promoting consistent call unconflicted debate integral practice.