The effectiveness of combination of 7% hypertonic saline and 0.1% natrii hyaluronas in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who have suffered a new coronavirus infection

Introduction. New coronavirus infection (COVID-19) contributes to the aggravation of respiratory symptoms in patients with COPD, including affecting the intensity and nature of cough. Hypertonic solution (HS) has a positive effect on the rheological properties of sputum and mucociliary clearance. However, there are no studies in the available literature on the use of HS in patients who have undergone COVID-19.

Goal. To evaluate the effect of the combination of 7% hypertonic saline and 0.1% natrii hyaluronas on the intensity and productive nature of cough in patients with COPD who have undergone a new coronavirus infection and the safety of its use in this cohort of patients.

Materials and methods. 50 patients with severe COPD in remission who suffered a new coronavirus infection were examined. The rehabilitation stage of treatment was carried out in the conditions of the pulmonology department. From the moment of receiving the last negative PCR result for SARS-CoV-2 to admission to the hospital for rehabilitation, it took from 2 to 3 weeks. The duration of follow-up of patients was 10 days. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 25) – patients who received combination of 7% hypertonic saline and 0.1% natrii hyaluronas 7% by inhalation through a nebulizer; group 2 (n = 25) – patients who did not receive combination of 7% hypertonic saline and 0.1% natrii hyaluronas. The severity of cough was assessed (cough severity scale; shortness of breath, cough and sputum scale), clinical and biochemical blood tests, ECG, spirometry.

Results. In patients treated with combination of 7% hypertonic saline and 0.1% natrii hyaluronas, a significant decrease in the severity of cough, the amount of sputum was revealed. The tendency to reduce shortness of breath and improve the quality of life is determined. No serious adverse events were detected when using the drug.

Conclusions. The use of the combination of 7% hypertonic saline and 0.1% natrii hyaluronas in patients with COPD who have suffered a new coronavirus infection at the rehabilitation stage leads to a decrease in the intensity of cough and improved sputum discharge, which helps to reduce the severity of shortness of breath and improve the quality of life. The use of the drug is safe and does not lead to clinically significant adverse events.

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