Hyperbaric oxygenation Therapy in the treatment of COVID-19 (preliminary report)

Abstract

Introduction: Hyperbaric oxygenation therapy (HBOT) has been shown to reduce the production and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Its use in patients with CoViD-19 and hypoxemia in China showed promising results although its use was poorly evaluated. Methods: A randomized, controlled study was started, comparing standard care (Control Group which includes non-hyperbaric oxygen supply) versus standard care plus HBOT (Test). The HBOT was carried out with Biobarica chambers of national development and medium pressure (1.45 atm) in sessions of 90 minutes per day for at least 5 days. Baseline daily oxygen saturation (SatO2) breathing ambient air (FiO2 = 0.21%) prior to HBOT was recorded. Results: 18 patients were included (ratio 1:1). The comparison between the groups did not show significant differences in terms of clinical status, general compromise, laboratory, age, comorbidities or history. The evolution of the HBOT group showed a rapid increase in SatO2 with a significant difference between groups from day 4 onwards. On day 5, the HBOT group presented SatO2 94.4 ± 2.7 (91.0-98.0)% Vs 89,8±2,3 (87,0-94,0) in control group. The time to normalize oxygen Saturation was significantly shorter in the HBOT group [mean±SD (min-max)]: 3,3±1,4 (1,0-5,0) VS 5,8±1,4 (3,0-7,0) days (P=0,002). The ascending slope for SatO2 in HBOT group was significantly higher than the control group: 2,1±0,6 (1,3-3,2) VS 1,5±0,6 (0,8-2,8) %/day (P 0,04). No adverse reactions were recorded. Discussion: HBOT shown to be more effective than oxygen suppy at ambient pressure. Although the study continues to recruit individuals, initial clinical results show a clear beneficial effect. Reference: Rui-Yong C et al. Efficacy analysis of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of severe coronavirus disease 2019 patients.