Case Report: Use of hydroxychloroquine and N-acetylcysteine for treatment of a COVID-19 patient

Abstract

There is worldwide concern for lack of specific therapy against the novel Betacoronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This case report presents the results of a pharmacological intervention aimed at modulating the inflammatory effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), in an effort to avoid the use of mechanical ventilation. A COVID-19 positive patient was admitted with multisystem organ dysfunction, including acute respiratory insufficiency, and was treated with a combination of low oral doses of hydroxychloroquine and intravenous N-acetylcysteine (NAC). The combination therapy resulted in noticeable clinical improvement and a quantifiable decrease of several of the inflammatory markers measured, in particular ferritin levels, C-reactive protein (CRP) and lactic acid. He also developed pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), both known side effects of COVID-19 infection. Following thrombolysis and heparinization his clinical evolution continued a positive trend until discharge. The therapeutic approach utilized in this case suggests that early intervention not only decrease acute organ dysfunction but also may decrease the need for mechanical ventilation in COVID-19 positive patients.