Summary of COVID-19 pentoxifylline studies
1. Maldonado et al., Pentoxifylline decreases serum LDH levels and increases lymphocyte count in COVID-19 patients: Results from an external pilot study
38 patient pentoxifylline late treatment RCT: 65% lower mortality (p=0.18), 54% lower ventilation (p=0.36), and 15% shorter hospitalization (p=0.33).Pilot study of 38 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Mexico showing pentoxifylline treatment was associated with significantly increased lymphocyte count and decreased LDH levels compared to standard care. The pentoxifylline group (400mg three times daily from admission to discharge) showed trends toward reduced days of hospitalization, lower mortality, and less need for intubation, though these differences did not reach statistical significance. Authors suggest pentoxifylline may help restore immune response equilibrium and reduce tissue damage in COVID-19 through its anti-inflammatory properties and effects on the renin-angiotensin system.
Jan 2021, Int. Immunopharmacology, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1567576920336766, https://c19p.org/maldonado2
2. Sarhan et al., Pentoxifylline Effects on Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients with Cytokine Storm Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial
68 patient pentoxifylline late treatment RCT: 69% higher mortality (p=0.37) and 45% worse improvement (p=0.56).RCT 68 hospitalized COVID-19 patients with cytokine storm showing no significant improvement in clinical outcomes with pentoxifylline (PTX) treatment compared to standard therapy. While PTX demonstrated positive effects on inflammatory biomarkers like C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, there was no statistical difference in clinical improvement, hospital length of stay, or mortality.
Apr 2023, Pharmaceuticals, https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/16/4/631, https://c19p.org/sarhan3
3. Azizi et al., Pentoxifylline effects on hospitalized patients with COVID19: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial
72 patient pentoxifylline late treatment RCT: 540% higher mortality (p=0.25).RCT 72 hospitalized COVID-19 patients showing no significant difference in clinical outcomes with pentoxifylline treatment compared to placebo.
Dec 2021, Int. Immunopharmacology, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1567576921008638, https://c19p.org/azizi2