The specific course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease necessitates the search for novel therapeutic approaches capable of influencing disease progression. Inhalations of stabilized hydrogen (H(H₂O)m; H₂) are considered as a promising but insufficiently studied direction.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of a 10-day course of stabilized hydrogen inhalation on clinical and functional parameters in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in remission.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A randomized (1:1) blinded controlled study was performed with the inclusion of 24 outpatients (age 65.8±8.1 years; 75% men). Patients in the H+ group (n=13) received inhalations of H₂ with water vapor, while patients in the H– group (n=11) — inhalations of only water vapor. The course consisted of 10 sessions (minimum 8) of 60 minutes each. Evaluation was done before, immediately after the course and in 28 days.

RESULTS

Patients in both groups showed a reduction in the severity of COPD symptoms (CAT test) and an improvement in quality of life. A lower level of pulmonary artery systolic pressure (p=0.033) and an increase in 6-minute walk distance were reported in patients of the H+ group. The impact of H₂ on key markers of systemic inflammation (blood levels of leucocytes, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, eosinophils), spirometry and electrocardiography indicators was not detected. The reported adverse events were mild in severity. Their incidence did not differ statistically between groups.

CONCLUSION

Inhalations of stabilized H₂ alleviate symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and improve quality of life, providing statistically significant advantages in terms of pulmonary artery systolic pressure and increased exercise tolerance. The method has a favorable safety profile: there were no moderate or severe side effects.