A randomized controlled trial of adjuvant inhalable sodium bicarbonate role in treatment of COVID-19

Abstract Entry of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) into a host cell is pH dependent. Intracellular alkalinization by sodium bicarbonate (SB) could elevate endosomal pH and block viral entry into the host cells. So, we assessed the role of inhalable SB as an adjuvant treatment for COVID-19 in the study groups of this randomized, controlled trial. Here we show a significantly shorter duration to clinical improvement and hospital stay in the study group, while the number of deaths is significantly less only in severe grade of the study group. But the time to death is not significantly different in both groups. CRP and d-dimer levels are significantly lower in the severe cases of the study group. The overall median CT score is significantly better in the study group at one & 2 months. Our data thus suggest that inhaled SB (8.4%) could be a possible adjuvant therapy for patients with moderate and severe COVID‑19 pneumonia.