Background
With ˜50 million individuals suffering from post-COVID condition (PCC), low health related quality of life (HRQoL) is a vast problem. Common symptoms of PCC, that persists 3 months from the onset of COVID-19 are fatigue, shortness of breath and cognitive dysfunction. No effective treatment options exist. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) is a candidate drug.
Objectives
This interim analysis describes our cohort and evaluates the safety of HBO2.
Methods
In an ongoing randomised, placebo-controlled, double blind, clinical trial, 20 previously healthy subjects with PCC were assigned to HBO2 or placebo. Primary endpoints are physical domains in RAND-36; Physical functioning (PF) and Role Physical (RP) at 13 weeks. Secondary endpoints include objective physical tests. Safety endpoints are occurrence, frequency, and seriousness of Adverse Events (AEs). An independent data safety monitoring board (DSMB) reviewed unblinded data. The trial complies with Good Clinical Practice. Safety endpoints are evaluated descriptively. Comparisons against norm data was done using t-test.
Results
20 subjects were randomised, they had very low HRQoL compared to norm data. Mean(SD) PF 31.75(19.55) (95% Confidence interval; 22.60-40.90) vs 83.5(23.9) p<0.001 in Rand-36 PF and mean 0.00 (0.00) in RP. Very low physical performance compared to norm data. 6MWT 442(180) (95% CI; 358-525) vs 662(18) meters p<0.001.
31 AEs occurred in 60% of subjects. In 20 AEs, there were at least a possible relationship with the study drug, most commonly cough and chest pain/discomfort.
Conclusions
An (unexpectedly) high frequency of AEs was observed but the DSMB assessed HBO2 to have a favourable safety profile. Our data may help other researchers in designing trials.
Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04842448. Registered 13 April 2021, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04842448