Lidocaine reinforces the anti-inflammatory action of dexamethasone on myeloid and epithelial cells activated by inflammatory cytokines or SARS-CoV-2 infection

Abstract

Severe cases of COVID-19 that require admission to the ICU and mechanical ventilation assistance show a high mortality rate with currently few therapeutic options available. Severe COVID-19 is characterized by a systemic inflammatory condition, also called "cytokine storm", which can lead to various multi-organ complications and ultimately death. Lidocaine, a safe local anesthetic that given intravenously is used to treat arrhythmias, has long been reported to have an anti-inflammatory and pro-homeostatic activity.