COVID-19 lung lesion treated with pirfenidone and effective rehabilitation: A Case Report

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 leads to an inflammatory and fibrotic state in the lungs which can be the cause of death and even in those who survive cause a functional limitation. A male patient of 28 years with COVID-19 was treated with nitazoxanide 500 mg 6 hourly, ibuprofen 500 mg 8 hourly, levofloxacin 500 mg and vitamin D 4,000 IU 24 hourly, and pirfenidone (K-LP) 1,200 mg 12 hourly. The patient was ventilated and extubated after 13 days in the intensive care unit. He was then immersed in a strict rehabilitation programme based on re-teaching the diaphragmatic respiratory pattern. Pirfenidone at a dose of 1,200 mg twice a day could be considered as a valid option to reduce lung fibrosis caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. To ensure optimal recovery, pulmonary rehabilitation therapy should be added to the management.

Keywords

• case report, covid-19, lung fibrosis, pirfenidone, rehabilitation