Pilot Open Label Use of the Hi-OXSR for the Treatment of Post COVID-19 Cognitive Dysfunction

University Health Network, Toronto

Status and phase: Completed; Phase 1

Conditions: Post COVID-19 Condition

Treatments: Device: Hi-OxSR Sequential Rebreathing mask (oxygen concentrator)

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06379620

22-5544

Details and patient eligibility

About

During the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic a large number patients reported different functional complaints one month or later after recovery from the acute infection. This entity had a number of names including "long-COVID" or "post COVID condition". Long-COVID is on the rise and no effective treatment exists yet to improve cognitive function. Recent research has shown that people with even mild COVID had a greater decline in executive function, notably in their ability to perform complex tasks. What drives post-COVID cognitive changes is still a mystery and there are no effective treatments available. One hypothesis is that there is persistent immune activation resulting in reduction in cerebral blood flow. There is evidence that increased CO2 may decrease inflammation, and decreased CO2 may increase inflammation.

Objectives: The primary objective of this pilot study is to assess the safety and tolerability of the use of Hi-OX sequential rebreathing for the treatment of post-COVID cognitive dysfunction. The secondary objective is to identify the effects of the use of the Hi-OX rebreathing treatment in changing post-COVID cognitive dysfunction.

Enrollment: 37 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

1. Ability to provide written informed consent.
2. Previously diagnosed with cognitive dysfunction following recovery from COVID.
3. Not pregnant at time of study.
4. Oxygen saturation on room air ≥92% at screening.
5. Willing and able to comply with the treatment schedule and procedures.

Exclusion criteria

1. History of cognitive dysfunction prior to COVID infection

2. Hospitalization for the treatment of COVID

3. Participating in another investigational trial or the use of an investigational drug within 30 days of screening

4. For individuals of childbearing potential:

   positive pregnancy test at screening or lactating or unwilling to practice a medically acceptable form of contraception from screening to Day 14 (acceptable forms of contraception: abstinence, hormonal birth control, intrauterine device, or barrier method plus a spermicidal agent)

5. History of pulmonary hypertension

6. History of narcolepsy

7. Moderate to severe COPD

8. Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis

9. End-tidal PCO2 >55 mmHg during training treatment

10. Presence of a condition or abnormality that in the opinion of the Investigator would compromise the safety of the subject or the quality of the data

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: N/A

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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37 participants in 1 patient group

Hi-OXSR group

Experimental group

Description:

Oxygen gas at 1 to 3LPM via a Hi-OxSR Sequential Rebreathing mask (oxygen concentrator), twice a day for 30 minutes with increased inspired CO2 concentration produced by having the subject rebreathe some of their exhaled air. Total treatment is for 14 days.

Treatment:

Device: Hi-OxSR Sequential Rebreathing mask (oxygen concentrator)