jpost | Over-the-counter aspirin could protect the lungs of COVID-19 patients and minimize the need for mechanical ventilation, according to new research at the George Washington University.
The
team investigated more than 400 COVID patients from hospitals across
the United States who take aspirin unrelated to their COVID disease, and
found that the treatment reduced the risk of several parameters by
almost half: reaching mechanical ventilation by 44%, ICU admissions by
43%, and overall in-hospital mortality by 47%.
“As
we learned about the connection between blood clots and COVID-19, we
knew that aspirin – used to prevent stroke and heart attack – could be
important for COVID-19 patients,” said Dr. Jonathan Chow of the study
team. “Our research found an association between low-dose aspirin and
decreased severity of COVID-19 and death.”
Low-dose aspirin is a common treatment for anyone suffering from
blood clotting issues or in danger of stroke, including most people who
had a heart attack or a myocardial infarction. Although affecting the
respiratory system, the coronavirus has been associated with small blood
vessel clotting, causing tiny blockages in the pulmonary blood system,
leading to ARDS - acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Israeli researchers
reached similar results in a preliminary trial at the Barzilai Medical
Center in March. In addition to its effect on blood clots, they found
that aspirin carried immunological benefits and that the group taking it
was 29% less likely to become infected with the virus in the first
place.
“Aspirin is
low cost, easily accessible and millions are already using it to treat
their health conditions,” said Chow. “Finding this association is a huge
win for those looking to reduce risk from some of the most devastating
effects of COVID-19.”
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