Use of dextromethorphan as a risk factor for the onset of oxygen therapy in COVID-19 patients in Lima, Peru

Rivero-Moreno Y.; García-Nuñez A.; Reynaga-Funes M.; Daga-Micheel O. · Gaceta Medica de Caracas (2024) · DOI: 10.47307/gmc.2024.132.1.9

Resumen

Introduction: Since the identification of SARS-CoV-2 in December 2019, global cases have exceeded 600 million, with over 6 million deaths. Dextromethorphan is indicated in the management of dry cough, one of the main symptoms of COVID-19, but its effect on the progression of the disease is not known. Objective: To determine whether there is an association between the use of dextromethorphan and the initiation of oxygen therapy in patients with non-severe cases of COVID-19. M aterials and M ethods: A retrospective cohort study reviewed the medical records of patients admitted to a health center in Lima between September and November 2020. Patients were identified based on the exposure factor (use of dextromethorphan), and the frequency of the studied outcome (requirement of oxygen) was subsequently determined. Results: 134 patients were included in each group, predominantly women (54.9 %), with a median age of 46 years; no significant differences in age, sex, or comorbidities were observed between the exposure groups. 3.7 % of patients who received dextromethorphan required oxygen therapy during hospitalization compared to 2.2 % of patients who did not received the drug (OR: 1.69; 95 % CI: 0.34 – 7.23). Conclusion: There is no robust evidence reflecting an association between the use of dextromethorphan and the progression of COVID-19. A prospective cohort study is recommended to assess the existence or absence of an effect.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia; Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos