Clinical Improvement with Pirfenidone in Two Patients of COVID-19

Abstract

Pirfenidone has been approved for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis due to its anti-fibrotic activity. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties apart from being an anti-fibrotic agent. Cytokine storm, severe inflammation and oxidative stress leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome and multiorgan failure are factors causing mortality in patients of COVID-19. This article reports two cases of 35 years and 60-year-old male patients of COVID-19, those were diagnosed by real time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using nasopharyngeal samples. They were started on pirfenidone 400 mg BD, later increased to 600 mg TDS along with empirical antibiotics, dexamethasone, supplemental oxygen and non-invasive ventilator support. Both the patients improved and were discharged. Both the patients were followed by telemedicine after one week, did not require oxygen at rest and were comfortable at rest in contrast to earlier complaints. Thus, the authors conclude that pirfenidone can be a possible cure for COVID-19 patients, larger trials are required to confirm its efficacy.