Treatment

Ventilators

Using a single ventilator for more than one patient

Dr. Charlene Babcock has made an informative series of videos on how to maximize resources in the event of a surge of patients requiring ventilation. Her video “A Rational Method for Ventilating Two Patients on One Ventilator” (found in the first link below) discusses techniques and disaster guidance as determined by experts in the field.

Hydroxychloroquine

Summary

There have been numerous trials of varying quality that look at the efficacy of HCQ (hydroxychloroquine) for COVID-19 treatment. Some have suggested administering azithromycin in tandem. ¹ The current theory for the treatment mechanism of HCQ is that it acts as a zinc ionophore creating higher intracellular zinc concentrations which may serve to interrupt SARS-COV2 replication. ² ³ For a more in depth explanation of how HCQ might treat COVID-19, click here for a discussion by pulmonologist & critical care specialist Roger Seheult, MD.

Patients that might be more at risk for hydroxychloroquine side-effects include older patients and those with renal damage or liver damage. ⁴ Eye damage from hydroxychloroquine toxicity is concern. ⁵ ⁶

For a comprehensive write up concerning cloroquine and hydroxychloroquine toxicity click here.

2010 study about using zinc ionophore to block coronavirus replication.

Recent studies

27-3-2020 Click here to read the results of a controlled n=80 French study by Dr. Didier Raoult

09-3-2020 Click here to view a recent Chinese study

03-3-2020 Click here to view the study some news sources are saying discredits HCQ treatment

Miscellaneous

An analysis of OTC herbal supplements that might function as zinc ionophores can be found here.

Temperature regulation

There is increasing attention on modulating innate immune response through thermal regulation for the purpose of reducing serious outcomes and regulating cytokine response among COVID-19 patients. There is a delayed / supressed interferon reponse in COVID-19 that could be stimulated with core body temperature. ⁷ ⁸

Some organizations believe fever to play a beneficial role in the body’s response to COVID-19.
The French health ministry has even issued advisories against the use of NSAIDs in COVID-19 patients.

There is growing body of literature claiming that high core temperatures, such as what can be achieved through a warm bath or a sauna, may increase the body’s innate immune reponse which could explain why treating fever has resulted in poorer outcomes among COVID-19 patients. ⁹ ¹⁰ ¹¹ ¹²

For further information on the role of fever in COVID-19 please visit The Center for Evidence-Based Medicine

This extensively researched video by Roger Seheult, MD gives an in depth analysis of the current literature regarding temperature and COVID-19 immune response.

ACE II receptors

There is growing attention being given to the interaction between SARS-Cov-2 and ACE II receptors, the entry receptor for SARS-Cov-2. ¹³ ACE II receptors are found notable organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys. ¹⁴ ¹⁵ These are all areas where complications with COVID-19 have been seen.
For more information on ACE II see this page.

Investigations into the effects of compounds affecting ACE II in COVID-19 patients may yield results in reducing mortality rates and serious outcomes. ¹⁶
Specific areas of interest include possible prevention or exacerbation of cardiovascular and renal complications, with cases beeing made for both and help and harm concerning ARBs. ¹⁷ ¹⁸
There are currently ongoing trials investigating the effects of losaratan, an ARB. ¹⁹ ²⁰

For futher discussion on this topic Roger Seheult, MD has made a video about ACE II receptors and related medications in relation to COVID-19.