Early use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in COVID-19 might reverse pathogenesis, prevent complications and improve clinical outcomes

The pathogenesis of Coronavirus disease 2019 is still obscure and the need for exploration of possible mechanisms to suggest drugs based on knowledge should never be delayed. In this manuscript, we present a novel theory to explain the pathogenesis of COVID-19; lymphocyte distraction theory upon which the author has used, in a preprinted protocol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); diclofenac potassium, ibuprofen and ketoprofen, successfully to treat COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, we agree with a recommendation that glucocorticoids should not be used routinely for COVID-19 patients and suggested to be beneficial only for patients with late acute respiratory distress syndrome. A clinical proof of ibuprofen safety in COVID-19 has been published by other researchers and we suggest that early administration of NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, in COVID19 is not only safe but it might also prevent COVID-19 complications and this manuscript explains some of the suggested associated protective mechanisms.

Automated summary

This manuscript presents a novel theory for the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and suggests the early use of NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, as a safe and potentially preventative measure for COVID-19 complications. The author also advocates against routine use of glucocorticoids for COVID-19 patients, recommending their use only for those with late acute respiratory distress syndrome.