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Coenzyme Q10 as Treatment of Post COVID-19 Condition
29 Pages Posted: 1 Aug 2022
More...Abstract
Background: Post COVID-19 condition (PCC) is defined as symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks after developing COVID-19. Evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction has been reported in peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from patients with COVID-19. We hypothesized that PCC is caused by prolonged mitochondrial dysfunction. Given that coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) can improve mitochondrial function, we examined whether high-dose CoQ10 can reduce the number and/or severity of PCC-related symptoms.
Methods: In this placebo-controlled, double-blind, 2x2 crossover interventional trial, participants were recruited from two centres at Aarhus University Hospital and Gødstrup Hospital, Denmark. They were randomly assigned to receive either oral capsules of CoQ10 in a dose of 500 mg/day or placebo for six weeks, with crossover treatment after a four-week washout period. The ED-5Q and a PCC-symptom specific questionnaire were completed by the participants at 5 visits during the 20-week study period. The primary endpoint was the change in the number and/or severity of PCC-related symptoms after the six-week intervention compared to placebo. Participants who completed the two-dosing period were included in the primary analysis, while all participants receiving one dose were included in safety assessment.
Findings: From May 25th, 2021, to September 22nd, 2021, 121 participants underwent randomization, and 119 completed both dosing periods – 59 and 60 in group A and B, respectively. At baseline, the mean PCC-related symptom score was 43·06 (95% CI: 40·18;45·94), and the mean EQ-5D health index was 0·66 (95% CI: 0·64;0·68). The difference between CoQ10 and placebo was not significant with respect to either the change in EQ-5D health index (with a mean difference of 0·01; 95% CI: -0·02;0·04; p =0·45) or the change in PCC-related symptom score (with a mean difference of -1·18; 95% CI: -3·54;1·17; p =0·32).
Interpretation: We conclude that CoQ10 treatment does not appear to significantly reduce the number or severity of PCC-related symptoms when compared to placebo.
Trial Registration Details: This trial is registered with EudraCT, 2020-005961-16 and ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04960215. The trial is completed.
Funding Information: Placebo and CoQ10 capsules were provided by Pharma Nord, and the trial was supported by grants from the Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF21OC0066984).
Declaration of Interests: We declare no competing interests.
Ethics Approval Statement: The study protocol was approved by the Danish Medicines Agency, the Danish Data Protection Agency, and the Central Denmark Regional Committee on Health Research Ethics and conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Each patient provided written informed consent before any study procedures.
Keywords: Post COVID-19 condition, Coenzyme Q10, mitochondria, COVID-19
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