Abstract
Background
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect and safety of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) inhalation spray in the treatment of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Methods
This randomized controlled clinical trial study was conducted on patients with COVID-19. Eligible patients (n=250) were randomly allocated into the intervention group (routine treatment + NAC inhaler spray one puff per 12 hours, for 7 days) or the control group who received routine treatment alone. Clinical features, hemodynamic, hematological, biochemical parameters and patient outcomes were assessed and compared before and after treatment.
Results
The mortality rate was significantly higher in the control group than in the intervention group (39.2% vs 3.2%, P<0.001). Significant differences were found between the two groups (intervention and control, respectively) for white blood cell count (6.2 vs 7.8, P<0.001), hemoglobin (12.3 vs 13.3, P=0.002), C-reactive protein (CRP: 6 vs 11.5, P<0.0001) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST: 32 vs 25.5, P<0.0001). No differences were seen for hospital length of stay (11.98±3.61 vs 11.81±3.52, P=0.814) or the requirement for ICU admission (7.2% vs 11.2%, P=0.274).
Conclusions
NAC was beneficial in reducing the mortality rate in patients with COVID-19 and inflammatory parameters, and a reduction in the development of severe respiratory failure; however, it did not affect the length of hospital stay or the need for ICU admission. Data on the effectiveness of NAC for SARS-CoV-2 is limited and further research is required.
Clinical Trial Registration
This study Registered at Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20080901001165N55) dated 23-05-2020.
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