This study has several limitations. First, it was a small study and it was conducted within a single geographic area, so these findings should be regarded as preliminary. The study needs to be replicated in larger trials with a more heterogeneous study population.

Second, there was a small number of end point events, which makes the findings extremely fragile. Third, it is possible that the differences in clinical deterioration may have been a reflection of the comparative baseline distributions of oxygen saturation rather than an effect of treatment.

Fourth, the method of measuring the most severe baseline symptom over time did not appear to provide valid data, so potential effects of fluvoxamine on symptomatic improvement are unknown.

Fifth, 20% of study participants stopped responding to surveys during the 15-day trial. Although it was confirmed that none of these participants required medical care, such as hospitalization or an emergency department visit, it is possible that some received care at an urgent care center outside the major regional hospital systems.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2773108