METHODS OF TREATING HEPATITIS
The present invention relates to a method of treating hepatitis in a patient, which includes administering a pharmaceutical composition that includes carbon monoxide to the patient.
1 . A method of treating hepatitis in a patient, comprising:
identifying a patient diagnosed as suffering from hepatitis; and
administering to the patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising an amount of carbon monoxide effective to treat hepatitis in the patient.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is in gaseous form and is administered to the patient by inhalation.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is in liquid form and is administered to the patient orally.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is administered directly to the abdominal cavity of the patient.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the patient is infected with a virus selected from the group consisting of: hepatitis A virus; hepatitis B virus; hepatitis C virus; hepatitis D virus; hepatitis E virus; and hepatitis G virus.
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the patient is an alcoholic.
7 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising administering to the patient a treatment selected from the group consisting of: withholding or reducing administration of hepatitis-inducing drugs; and administering corticosteroids or antiviral agents to the patient.
8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is administered by artificial lung.
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is administered by an extracorporeal membrane gas exchange device.
10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the hepatitis is caused by exposure to a hepatotoxic agent.
11 . A method of treating hepatitis in a patient, comprising:
(a) identifying a patient suffering from or at risk for hepatitis;
(b) providing a vessel containing a pressurized gas comprising carbon monoxide gas;
(c) releasing the pressurized gas from the vessel, to form an atmosphere comprising carbon monoxide gas; and
(d) exposing the patient to the atmosphere, wherein the amount of carbon monoxide in the atmosphere is sufficient to treat hepatitis in the patient.
12 . A method of administering a hepatotoxic drug to a patient, comprising:
(a) administering the hepatotoxic drug to the patient; and
(b) before, during, or after step (a), administering to the patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising carbon monoxide in an amount effective to treat hepatitis in the patient.
13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein carbon monoxide is administered before step (a).
14 . The method of claim 12 , wherein carbon monoxide is administered during step (a).
15 . The method of claim 12 , wherein carbon monoxide is administered after step (a).
16 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the hepatotoxic drug is selected from the group consisting of: isoniazid, methyldopa, acetaminophen, amiodarone, and nitrofurantoin.
17 . A vessel comprising medical grade compressed carbon monoxide gas, the vessel bearing a label indicating that the gas can be used to treat hepatitis in a patient.
18 . The vessel of claim 17 , wherein the carbon monoxide gas is in admixture with an oxygen-containing gas.
19 . The vessel of claim 17 , wherein the carbon monoxide gas is present in the admixture at a concentration of at least about 0.025%.
20 . The vessel of claim 17 , wherein the carbon monoxide gas is present in the admixture at a concentration of at least about 0.05%.
21 . The vessel of claim 17 , wherein the carbon monoxide gas is present in the admixture at a concentration of at least about 0.10%.
22 . The vessel of claim 17 , wherein the carbon monoxide gas is present in the admixture at a concentration of at least about 1.0%.
23 . The vessel of claim 17 , wherein the carbon monoxide gas is present in the admixture at a concentration of at least about 2.0%.
24 . The vessel of claim 17 , wherein the label further indicates that the gas can be administered to a patient in conjunction with administration of a hepatotoxic drug.
25 . A vessel comprising medical grade compressed carbon monoxide gas, the vessel bearing a label indicating that the gas can be administered to a patient in conjunction with administration of a hepatotoxic drug.
26 . A method of treating hepatitis in a patient, the method comprising:
identifying a patient suffering from or at risk for hepatitis not caused by surgery or endotoxin; and
administering to the patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising an amount of carbon monoxide effective to treat hepatitis in the patient.