Can hyperbaric oxygen safely serve as an anti-inflammatory treatment for COVID-19?

Abstract

IntroductionSARS-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. HypothesisThe overall hypothesis is that HBO2 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. Evaluation of the hypothesisHBO2 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. Empirical dataAnecdotes from “compassionate use” and two published case reports show promising results. Consequences of the hypothesis and discussionSmall prospective clinical trials are on the way and we are conducting a randomized clinical trial.