Case Report: Can Inhaled Adenosine Attenuate COVID-19?

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Critical Care Medicine
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Investigated inhaled adenosine as a potential therapy for severe coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).
• Explored the role of adenosine-regulator proteins in COVID-19 pathogenesis.
• Considered adenosine's anti-inflammatory and hypoxia signaling properties.

Observation:

• Two critically ill COVID-19 patients in the US, both with DNR/DNI status, received inhaled adenosine.
• Patients were not expected to survive prior to treatment.
• Inhaled adenosine administration is a potentially safe procedure, with prior use in asthmatic challenge testing.

Findings:

• Both patients experienced rapid and positive responses to inhaled adenosine.
• Observed effects align with pharmacological hypotheses regarding adenosine's role in COVID-19.
• Demonstrated potential therapeutic benefits of adenosine in severe respiratory infections.

Implications:

• Supports the hypothesis that adenosine plays a role in COVID-19.
• Suggests inhaled adenosine may be a viable therapeutic option for severe COVID-19.
• Highlights the importance of study repetition and replication in medical research.