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

Introduction: 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.

Hypothesis: The overall hypothesis is that HBO 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 Hypothesis: HBO is used in clinical practice to treat inflammatory conditions but has not been scientifically evaluated for COVID-19. Experimental and empirical data suggests that HBO may reduce inflammatory response in COVID-19. However, there are concerns regarding pulmonary safety in patients with pre-existing viral pneumonitis.

Empirical Data: Anecdotes from "compassionate use" and two published case reports show promising results.

Consequences Of The Hypothesis And Discussion: Small prospective clinical trials are on the way and we are conducting a randomized clinical trial.