Outcomes
cough
SECONDARY
The primary outcomes were time to recovery, (as defined as the first day after enrolment, where the patient met the criteria of WHO OS score ≤ 3 (hospitalised but no oxygen therapy)); this was recorded until hospital discharge or day 10 after enrolment in the study. Primary plasma biomarkers measured were circulating VWF, angiotensin II, aldosterone, and D-dimer levels taken at baseline, day 4 and day 7.The secondary outcomes were to study the effect of spironolactone on the patient’s cough (as assessed by daily cough scores from baseline at enrolment until day 10, and a follow up cough score recorded via telephone call at day 28); to determine the duration (in days) of oxygen use and oxygen-free days (from baseline at enrolment until day 10 or hospital discharge, whichever was first); and to determine the effect of spironolactone and dexamethasone on plasma corticosteroid levels as a measure of suppression of the production of cortisol and blockade of the MR (taken at baseline, day 4 and day 7).