The University of Kansas Health System is treating 110 total COVID patients today, down from 122 yesterday. Other significant numbers:

• 38 with the active virus, 45 yesterday
• 5 in ICU, 2 yesterday
• 1 on ventilator, 2 yesterday
• 72 hospitalized but out of acute infection phase, 77 yesterday

On today’s Open Mics With Doctor Stites, the panel debuted a new monthly feature called Show Me the Science. Today’s focus was on what the research shows on prescribing ivermectin and Paxlovid in treating COVID. Also, doctors invited those interested in ivermectin to participate in a clinical trial to see whether ivermectin actually works against COVID.

Today’s guests:

Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer, The University of Kansas Health System

Dr. Mario Castro, Vice Chair for Clinical and Translational Research, KU Medical Center

Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director, Infection Prevention and Control

Dr. Nathan Bahr, infectious disease physician

Dr. Matthew Shoemaker, infectious disease physician

Key points from today’s guests:

• Defined several research terms
• Academic Medicine: An approach by organizations that treat patients, train future medical professionals and conduct research to advance treatments
• Clinical Trial: A systematic and controlled research study to arrive at answers we can trust. Peer review of results is vital.
• Randomized Placebo Control Group: A random approach to assigning patients either a placebo (a sugar pill) or study medication. Neither doctor nor patient knows what the patient is getting. This assures unbiased results
• Trial Participants: A large enough number that assures the data from the trial is meaningful and represents a cross section of society and ages. Can vary for every trial
• Meta Analysis: A critical look at several smaller studies combined to form one overall consensus
• (18:40 on video) Doctors looked at the timeline for scientific scrutiny of ivermectin, which has traditionally been used for parasitic infections. Multiple health organizations began studying in February, 2021. Most recent analysis, published in JAMA February 18 of 2022, shows ivermectin does not reduce the risk of developing severe disease or keep it from progressing.
• (24:30 on video) KU Medical Center is participating in a clinical trial looking at various treatments, including ivermectin, to treat COVID. To enroll, call 316-293-1823 or email clinicaltrialunit@kumc.edu.
• (29:40) Paxlovid, a pill that can be taken at the onset of COVID symptoms, received, FDA emergency use authorization last December after clinical trials and sound research supported by data showed effectiveness in reducing serious illness and hospitalization by 88 to 90 percent.
• (54:40) Data Safety Monitoring Board oversees all trials and can step in to halt the trial if the medicine is not showing any effectiveness, or if it’s working so well further research is not needed
• (50:20) Read “pre-print” research articles with caution as they are not “pre-truth.” Much may change before final publication.
• (57:40) Medicine is a team sport, combining the expertise of highly trained doctors, nurses, pharmacists and researchers.
• (41:35) Vaccines for kids 5 to 11 are effective at keeping them from serious illness, hospitalization and death. Three exposures to vaccines are best.

            Thursday, March 3 at 8:00 a.m. is the next Morning Medical Update. We’ll look at the war in Ukraine, a crisis that is impacting our pocketbooks and peace of mind. Child psychologist Dr. Stephen Lassen and adult psychologist Dr. Greg Nawalanic will offer insightful tips for kids and grown-ups. Plus, we'll look at how one local organization is responding and how you can help.

ATTENTION: media procedure for joining:

Zoom link: https://kumc-ois.zoom.us/j/7828978628

Telephone Zoom link: 1-312-626-6799, meeting ID: 782 897 8628

TVU Grid link: UoK_Health_SDI

Restream links: Facebook.com/kuhospital

                               YouTube.com/kuhospital

Send advance questions to medicalnewsnetwork@kumc.edu.