Back to Search
Start Over
The Effect of Povidone-Iodine Nasal Spray on Nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 Viral Load: A Randomized Control Trial.
- Source :
-
The Laryngoscope [Laryngoscope] 2022 Nov; Vol. 132 (11), pp. 2089-2095. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Nov 09. - Publication Year :
- 2022
-
Abstract
- Objectives/hypothesis: To determine the effect of povidone-iodine (PVP-I) nasal sprays on nasopharyngeal (NP) viral load as assessed by cycle threshold (Ct) on quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) of SARS-CoV-2 in outpatients.<br />Study Design: Three arm, triple blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.<br />Methods: Participants were randomized within 5 days of testing positive for COVID-19 to receive nasal sprays containing placebo (0.9% saline), 0.5% PVP-I, or 2.0% PVP-I. NP swabs for qPCR analysis were taken at baseline, 1-hour post-PVP-I spray (two sprays/nostril), and 3 days post-PVP-I spray (20 sprays/nostril). Symptom and adverse event questionnaires were completed at baseline, day 3, and day 5. University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Tests (UPSIT) were completed at baseline and day 30.<br />Results: Mean Ct values increased over time in all groups, indicating declining viral loads, with no statistically significant difference noted in the rate of change between placebo and PVP-I groups. The 2.0% PVP-I group showed statistically significant improvement in all symptom categories; however, it also reported a high rate of nasal burning. Olfaction via UPSIT showed improvement by at least one category in all groups. There were no hospitalizations or mortalities within 30 days of study enrollment.<br />Conclusions: Saline and low concentration PVP-I nasal sprays are well tolerated. Similar reductions in SARS-CoV-2 NP viral load were seen over time in all groups. All treatment groups showed improvement in olfaction over 30 days. These data suggest that dilute versions of PVP-I nasal spray are safe for topical use in the nasal cavity, but that PVP-I does not demonstrate virucidal activity in COVID-19 positive outpatients.<br />Level of Evidence: 2 Laryngoscope, 132:2089-2095, 2022.<br /> (© 2021 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.)
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1531-4995
- Volume :
- 132
- Issue :
- 11
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- The Laryngoscope
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 34724213
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1002/lary.29935