General Research
Model: human
Effect of hydrogen/oxygen therapy for ordinary COVID-19 patients: a propensity-score matched case-control study
Simplified Version Available
Breathing Easy: How Hydrogen-Oxygen Therapy Helps COVID-19 Patients Recover
A study in China found that hydrogen-oxygen therapy can help COVID-19 patients recover faster and with fewer complications. This non-invasive treatment involves breathing in a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen gases, which can reduce inflammation in the lungs. While more research is needed, the results are promising and could lead to new treatments for COVID-19.
Read Simplified ArticleAbstract
Publish Year 2023 Country China Rank Positive Journal BMC Infectious Diseases Primary Topic Whole Body Secondary TopicSARS/COVID Model Human Tertiary TopicHospitalization time Vehicle Gas pH N/A Application Inhalation Comparison Complement Oxygen
Background
Methods: This retrospective, propensity-score matched (PSM) case-control study included 180 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 from 3 centers. After assigned in 1:2 ratios by PSM, 33 patients received hydrogen/oxygen therapy and 55 patients received oxygen therapy included in this study. Primary endpoint was the length of hospitalization. Secondary endpoints were hospital discharge rates and oxygen saturation (SpO2). Vital signs and respiratory symptoms were also observed.
Methods
Results: Findings confirmed a significantly lower median length of hospitalization (HR = 1.91; 95% CIs, 1.25-2.92; p < 0.05) in the hydrogen/oxygen group (12 days; 95% CI, 9-15) versus the oxygen group (13 days; 95% CI, 11-20). The higher hospital discharge rates were observed in the hydrogen/oxygen group at 21 days (93.9% vs. 74.5%; p < 0.05) and 28 days (97.0% vs. 85.5%; p < 0.05) compared with the oxygen group, except for 14 days (69.7% vs. 56.4%). After 5-day therapy, patients in hydrogen/oxygen group exhibited a higher level of SpO2 compared with that in the oxygen group (98.5%±0.56% vs. 97.8%±1.0%; p < 0.001). In subgroup analysis of patients received hydrogen/oxygen, patients aged < 55 years (p = 0.028) and without comorbidities (p = 0.002) exhibited a shorter hospitalization (median 10 days).
Results
Conclusion: This study indicated that hydrogen/oxygen might be a useful therapeutic medical gas to enhance SpO2 and shorten length of hospitalization in patients with ordinary COVID-19. Younger patients or those without comorbidities are likely to benefit more from hydrogen/oxygen therapy.