Could a common blood thinner help ventilated COVID-19 patients breathe easier?
NCT ID NCT04545541
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at whether giving nebulised heparin (a blood thinner delivered as a mist) to COVID-19 patients on mechanical ventilation could help them get off the breathing machine sooner and reduce deaths. The trial combined data from several smaller studies in Australia, Ireland, the US, and the UK, involving 57 adults in intensive care. Patients received either heparin or standard care/placebo for up to 10 days while on a ventilator.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
nebulised heparin (a blood thinner given as a mist into the lungs)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a simple, low-cost treatment to help COVID-19 patients on ventilators recover faster and need less breathing support.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage analysis of several trials, so results may not be definitive. Heparin can increase bleeding risk, especially in critically ill patients.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Frederick Health Hospital
Frederick, Maryland, 21701, United States