Study of the response of the microvascular bed to oxygen-helium therapy using high-frequency Doppler ultrasound in patients with COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction. For the treatment of patients with hypoxemic form of respiratory failure, thermal oxygen-helium mixture (OHM) therapy is used.The aim of the work is to study the effect of OHM on the state of the microcirculatory bed in viral pneumonia caused by COVID-19 in patients with aggravated and unaggravated anamnesis.Materials and methods. There were 8 patients with an uncomplicated anamnesis, 11 with AH1–2 degree, 11 with AH1–2 degree and type II diabetes. The parameters of blood flow in the MVB were recorded with an ultrasound dopplerograph. OHM therapy (O2 – 30 %, He – 70 %, t=+95 ºС): 5 min breathing, 5 min rest – 3 cycles.Results. Before the OHM therapy, the level of «basic perfusion» was increased in group 3: significantly high Vs (p=0.02) and Vd (p=0.006), low RI (p=0.015) relative to group 1, this indicates a reduced vascular tone and venous congestion. After the OHM session in patients of group 1, the speed of Vs and Vd increased, the indices RI and PI decreased. In group 2 – Vs, Vd and Vam increased, RI decreased. The effect is long lasting. In group 3, the effect was noted on day 5, short-term. Conclusions. OHM therapy has a positive effect.