Is Hyperbaric Oxygen an Effective Treatment for the Prevention of Complications in SARS-CoV-2 Asymptomatic Patients?

Abstract

Abstract. Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2T) useful to counteract severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in positive asymptomatic patients? Asymptomatic persons seem to account for approximately 45% of SARS-CoV-2 infections, and they can transmit the virus to others for an extended period, perhaps longer than 14 days. In patients dying from SARS-CoV-2 infection, the mean number of concomitant diseases was 3.6 (median 3, standard deviation 2.1). Many of these diseases are correlated with the nitric oxide synthase genetic polymorphism and reduced nitric oxide synthesis [risk for coronary heart disease: odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 2.74 (1.78–3.85)]. HBO2T significantly increases the production of nitric oxide and free radicals which, in laboratory tests, inhibit the replication of the SARS-CoV. HBO2T upregulates hypoxia inducible factor, which promotes the expression of human antiviral peptides: defensins and cathelicidins, both effective to block the virus. Thus, HBO2T regulates the inflammatory response. We share our pilot study conclusions as a basis for clinical trials.