A pilot randomized controlled trial of major ozone autohemotherapy for
patients with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19
Abstract
This prospective, randomized controlled trial assessed the therapeutic
effects of major ozone autohemotherapy (O 3-MAH) in
patients with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Seventy-three
eligible participants were randomly assigned to an O
3-MAH plus conventional therapy group (n=35) or an
conventional therapy alone group (n=38). Symptom score, pulmonary
function, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), and hematological, biochemical,
and immunological parameters were evaluated before and after the
interventions. Both groups demonstrated improvements in various
parameters post-intervention, but efficacy was greater in the O
3-MAH group than the conventional treatment group; with
intervention effectiveness defined as a ≥50% reduction in symptom
score, 25 of 35 patients (71%) responded to O 3-MAH,
while 17/38 patients (45%) responded to conventional treatment alone
(P=0.0325). Significant improvements in symptom scores (P=0.0478), tidal
volume (P=0.0374), predicted 6MWD (P=0.0032), and coagulation and
inflammatory indicators were noted in the O 3-MAH group
compared with the conventional treatment group. O 3-MAH
was more likely to be effective in patients with elevated CRP levels.
Furthermore, O 3-MAH markedly improved cellular
immunity, and this improvement became more pronounced with extended
treatment duration. In summary, combining O 3-MAH with
conventional treatment was more effective than conventional therapy
alone in improving symptoms, pulmonary function, inflammation,
coagulation, and cellular immunity in patients with PASC. Further
research is now warranted to validate these findings and establish the
longer-term benefits of O 3-MAH for PASC.