NINTEDANIB AS A GAME CHANGER IN YOUNG AND MIDDLE AGED COVID-19 PATIENTS

Abstract

Background: Pulmonary fibrosis is one of the most significant indicators of a bad prognosis in COVID-19 patients. A novel antifibrotic medication called Nintedanib inhibits several growth factors to prevent neo-angiogenesis while interfering with pulmonary fibrosis processes. The purpose of this research was to look at Nintedanib's efficacy and safety in treating young to middle-aged COVID-19 when Nintedanib is administered as a prophylactic measure.
Methodology: This case-control study included 50 COVID-19 confirmed cases, and 50 matched controls admitted at ICU and HDU. The primary endpoint was to assess the oxygen requirement and PaO2/FiO2 ratio among the two groups. Additionally, prognostic laboratory markers including Ferritin, CRP, D-dimer was assessed on days 0, 4, 11 and 15 days. 15-day mortality was determined. Appropriate statistical tests were used for comparison.
Results: During the baseline visit, PaO2/FiO2 ratio in case (56.6 ± 34.1) and control (71.16 ± 37.7) with a statistical increase in control group (p=0.04). However, on day 11 and day 15, the PaO2/FiO2 ratio was statistically higher in case group (P<0.05). The oxygen requirement over the follow-up visits in case-group statistically decreased. Except for the baseline, at all follow-up visits, the levels of ferritin, CRP, D-dimer were statistically lower in the case group compared to control group (p<0.05). Additionally, a statistical increase in the mortality in control group was noted at 15th day of the study.
Conclusion: Nintedanib treatment has the potential to reduce lung damage in COVID-19 patients and to assist COVID-19 patients prophylactically while disease is active.