OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility and potential of masked inhalations of xenon-oxygen mixture in the treatment of severe pneumonia in intensive care unit including combination with inhalations of pre-photoactivated chlorin E6 derivatives.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study enrolled 24 patients diagnosed with severe bilateral polysegmental pneumonia. Twelve patients underwent xenon-oxygen inhalations (ratio 60/40%), 12 patients — xenon-oxygen inhalations combined with photoactivated porphyrin solution. Treatment outcomes were assessed using lung ultrasound, inflammatory and heart failure markers (NT-proBNP), blood gas analysis, throat swab culture, and original visual respiratory failure assessment scale.

RESULTS

All patients after xenon-oxygen inhalations demonstrated lower psychoemotional component of respiratory failure, relief of hyperventilation and myotonic syndromes, as well as increased vital capacity. While lung ultrasound data show increased tissue aeration, blood gases assessment reveals pulmonary gas exchange improvement. Patients after combined therapy with xenon-oxygen mixture and photoactivated photosensitizer had significantly lower inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein by 60% and procalcitonin by 70%). NT-proBNP decreased after xenon inhalation. In patients receiving combined therapy with xenon and radachlorin, 42.8% reduction in the number of colony-forming microorganisms (primarily Klebsiella pneumoniae) in throat cultures was observed.

CONCLUSION

Xenon-oxygen mixture combined with photoactivated photosensitizer demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. These therapies for severe pneumonia in intensive care unit are promising and require further research.