UK Biobank Diazepam–COVID Association Lacked Dose and Duration Information

The observed association does not establish diazepam as an infection-prevention treatment.

What the publication shows

Among UK Biobank participants tested for SARS-CoV-2, the investigators linked recorded psychotropic use with infection and mortality outcomes. Diazepam use was associated with lower odds of a positive infection result after adjustment. The study examined numerous medications and was observational.

Limits of the evidence

The cohort was highly selected and predominantly white. Specific dose, frequency and duration data were unavailable, and treatment interactions were not evaluated. Testing behavior, underlying illness and residual confounding may affect associations. An odds reduction is not proof of antiviral activity.

Application to expert review

In discussing the paper, retain the tested-population denominator and distinguish infection from death outcomes. Do not translate a medication association into a prescription recommendation or assume that a particular patient’s diazepam exposure prevented or caused infection.

Source and related reading

Source: Publication PMC9682054. The case-review applications above are interpretive analysis.