Usefulness of DORNASE in COVID-19 on HFNO

Usefulness of DORNASE (Pulmozyme®) in Patients With COVID-19 Respiratory Insufficiency on High-Flow Oxygen Therapy

COVID-19 pneumonia manifests among others with a thick bronhial secretion. It contains an increased number of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), formed during netosis. DNA is a major component in NETs. DNAse alfa (Pulmozyme®, Roche) is a recombinant human enzyme, registered for inhalations in patients with Cystic fibrosis, in which NETs are also a typical characteristic. DNAse alfa inhalations are typically well tolerated and with no major side effects. Some initial reports exist of using DNAse alfa inhalations in COVID-19 patients, that had benefitial effects. There are some trials registered with ClinicalTrials, investigating the usufulness of DNAse alfa in intubated patients, but the investigators have no knowledge of a trial, investigating the usufulness of this drug in patients receiving High Flow Nasal Oxygen therapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA PCR swab
• inflamatory phase of infection
• HFNO

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnancy
• previous treatment with DNAse alfa