Could a simple gas help ventilated COVID-19 patients breathe easier?
NCT ID NCT04306393
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether breathing in nitric oxide gas can improve oxygen levels in severely ill COVID-19 patients who are on ventilators. Researchers enrolled 200 adults in the ICU with confirmed COVID-19 and severe breathing problems. Patients received either standard care plus inhaled nitric oxide or standard care alone for up to 48 hours. The main goal was to see if the gas helped raise blood oxygen levels.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
inhaled nitric oxide gas
What this could lead to
If it works, this could provide a way to improve oxygen levels in severely ill COVID-19 patients on ventilators.
What could go wrong
This is a Phase 2 trial with 200 participants, so results are preliminary. The benefit may be modest or not apply to all patients, and nitric oxide can have side effects like methemoglobinemia.
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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Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
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Danderyd Sjukhus AB
Danderyd, Stockholm County, 18288, Sweden
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Louisiana State University Health Shreveport
Shreveport, Louisiana, 71103, United States
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Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
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University of Alabama
Birmingham, Alabama, 35294, United States