Scientists Find Aspirin Can Reduce Risk Of Need For Ventilation To Death Due To COVID-19

Aspirin illustration. (Wikimedia Commons/Ragesoss)

JAKARTA - Aspirin, an over-the-counter pain, fever and inflammation reliever, is said to protect the lungs of COVID-19 patients and minimize the need for mechanical ventilation, according to new research at George Washington University, United States.

The team investigated more than 400 COVID-19 patients from hospitals across the United States who were taking aspirin unrelated to their COVID-19 illness and found that the treatment reduced the risk of several parameters by almost half; achieved mechanical ventilation by 44 percent, ICU admission by 43 percent and overall in-hospital mortality by 47 percent.

"When we learned about the association between blood clots and COVID-19, we knew that aspirin, which is used to prevent strokes and heart attacks, could be important for COVID-19 patients," said Dr. Jonathan Chow of the study team, as quoted by The Jerusalem Post.

"Our study found an association between low-dose aspirin and a reduction in COVID-19 severity and mortality."

Low-dose aspirin is a common treatment for anyone who has blood clotting problems or is in danger of having a stroke, including most people who have had a heart attack or myocardial infarction.

Although it affects the respiratory system, the coronavirus has been linked to the clotting of small blood vessels, causing small blockages in the pulmonary blood system leading to ARDS, acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Separately, Israeli researchers achieved similar results in an initial trial at Barzilai Medical Center in March. In addition to its effect on blood clotting, they found aspirin carried immunological benefits, and the group taking it was 29% less likely to be infected with the virus.

"Aspirin is low-cost, easily accessible and millions of people have used it to treat their health conditions," explains Chow.

"Finding these associations is a huge win for those looking to reduce their risk of some of the worst effects of COVID-19," he continued.

Please note, Aspirin, although it has a substantial effect in reducing blood clotting, can also cause bleeding disorders and gastric ulcers and has dangerous side effects in patients for whom treatment is not indicated.