Use of exogenic phosphocreatine in ICU rehabilitation of patients with COVID-19 (pilot study)

The objective: to establish the possible effectiveness of exogenous phosphocreatine as a component of pharmacological support during the resuscitation stage of rehabilitation measures in critically ill patients with COVID-19.Subjects and Methods. Within a randomized study, 21 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were divided into two groups: Group 1 (patients received the infusion of exogenous phosphocreatine as part of intensive care) and Group 2 (patients received standard intensive care) against the background of rehabilitation measures. Patients were assessed for muscle strength using the MRC scale, exercise tolerance by Borg rating, oxygenation parameters, routine clinical laboratory blood tests, dependence on respiratory support, outcome on day 10 of therapy, and hospital outcome.Results. The effectiveness of the use of the exogenous phosphocreatine as a component of pharmacological support during the resuscitation stage of rehabilitation measures in critical patients has been confirmed by positive dynamics: an increase in muscle strength (the MRC score in the group receiving exogenous phosphocreatine on day 10 was 0.5 points higher) and an increase in exercise tolerance (Borg rating in the group receiving exogenous phosphocreatine on day 10 was 1.5 points higher), significant increase in oxygenation based on arterial blood saturation data, and significant increase in lymphocyte count by 25% in the group receiving exogenous phosphocreatine.Conclusion. Exogenous phosphocreatine is a candidate drug for pharmacological support during resuscitation stage of rehabilitation of critical patients with COVID-19.