Publication Date
2020
Journal Title
Mol Med
Abstract
© 2020 The Author(s). Background: Mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 have a mortality of 24-53%, in part due to distal mucopurulent secretions interfering with ventilation. DNA from neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) contribute to the viscosity of mucopurulent secretions and NETs are found in the serum of COVID-19 patients. Dornase alfa is recombinant human DNase 1 and is used to digest DNA in mucoid sputum. Here, we report a single-center case series where dornase alfa was co-administered with albuterol through an in-line nebulizer system. Methods: Demographic and clinical data were collected from the electronic medical records of five mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19-including three requiring veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-treated with nebulized in-line endotracheal dornase alfa and albuterol, between March 31 and April 24, 2020. Data on tolerability and response were analyzed. Results: The fraction of inspired oxygen requirements was reduced for all five patients after initiating dornase alfa administration. All patients were successfully extubated, discharged from hospital and remain alive. No drug-associated toxicities were identified. Conclusions: Results suggest that dornase alfa will be well-tolerated by patients with severe COVID-19. Clinical trials are required to formally test the dosing, safety, and efficacy of dornase alfa in COVID-19, and several have been recently registered.
Volume Number
26
Issue Number
1
Pages
91
Document Type
Article
Status
Faculty; Northwell Resident
Facility
School of Medicine; Northwell Health
Primary Department
Molecular Medicine
Additional Departments
General Pediatrics; COVID-19 Publications
PMID
DOI
10.1186/s10020-020-00215-w