The effect of hemoperfusion on clinical improvement and patients’ mortality in Covid 19 patients

Abstract

Background: COVID-19-related organ failure is due to extreme pro-inflammatory cytokine release named cytokine storm. Therapeutic strategies that prevent the production of or remove the proinflammatory cytokines could potentially be an effective therapy in critically afflicted COVID‐19 patients. Methods: In this clinical trial study, 69 COVID-19 patients (35 vs. 34 controls) with severe critical symptoms, and PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratio less than 200 mmHg either received a single standard therapy or a combination of standard treatment for COVID-19 combined with hemoperfusion (hemofilter, HA330 D Javfron). The length of hospital stay and mechanical ventilation, the resolution of radiologic abnormalities, and the mortality rate were defined as the primary outcomes. Results: Demographic characteristic and the APACHE II score of both groups were similar (P>0.05). We noticed a significant mortality rate reduction in the perfused group compared with controls (37.1% vs. 63.6%, P=0.02), this positive effect was stronger in those with a P/F ratio higher than 75 (mortality rate of 84.7% for P/F ratio <75 vs. 15.4% for P/F ratio ≥75, P=0.02).