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Kjellberg A, De Maio A, Lindholm P
Med Hypotheses 144 (-) 110224 [2020-11-00; online 2020-08-30]
SARS-CoV-2 affects part of the innate immune response and activates an inflammatory cascade stimulating the release of cytokines and chemokines, particularly within the lung. Indeed, the inflammatory response during COVID-19 is likely the cause for the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Patients with mild symptoms also show significant changes on pulmonary CT-scan suggestive of severe inflammatory involvement. The overall hypothesis is that HBO 2 is safe and reduces the inflammatory response in COVID-19 pneumonitis by attenuation of the innate immune system, increase hypoxia tolerance and thereby prevent organ failure and reduce mortality. HBO 2 is used in clinical practice to treat inflammatory conditions but has not been scientifically evaluated for COVID-19. Experimental and empirical data suggests that HBO2 may reduce inflammatory response in COVID-19. However, there are concerns regarding pulmonary safety in patients with pre-existing viral pneumonitis. Anecdotes from "compassionate use" and two published case reports show promising results. Small prospective clinical trials are on the way and we are conducting a randomized clinical trial.
PubMed 33254531
DOI 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.110224
Crossref 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.110224
pii: S0306-9877(20)31444-4