CaPPtain's Blog: John Burn, March 2020
posted on Monday, 16th March 2020
Not tagged.
Urgent CaPPtain's Blog: Covid-19
On 13th March, the French Health minister, who is also a qualified
doctor, advised people to use paracetamol to treat fever associated
with Covid-19 infection as it was possible that anti-inflammatory
drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin might prolong the disease but
diminish the immune response. No evidence has yet been published
and this opinion seems to be based on observations in other
infections.
In contrast, there is speculation that the severe lung problems
sometimes associated with the new coronavirus are the result of an
over-reaction of the immune system, a process known as a cytokine
storm. There have been rapid publications exploring use of a
variety of drugs used to suppress inflammation. A new formulation
of aspirin which is combined with a short chain fatty acid called
triacetin to make it soluble is going to be tested as a treatment
in people with a Covid-19 infection.
While more information is gathered, my proposal is that people
on CaPP3 can continue to take their aspirin but should stop if they
develop symptoms and restart once they recover. If, however, the
mixed messages cause concern, it is, of course, acceptable for
anyone to temporarily suspend their treatment until the emergency
subsides. A three-month period would seem reasonable.
John Burn
16th March 2020