Molecular Hydrogen as a Potential Adjunctive Therapy to Improve Renal Function and Reduce Fatigue in an Elderly Patient With Chronic Comorbidities: A Case Report

Background/aim: Hydrogen therapy has demonstrated potential as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory intervention, particularly in the management of chronic diseases such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) and autoimmune conditions. This case report presents the possible therapeutic benefits of molecular hydrogen capsule treatment in enhancing renal function and alleviating chronic fatigue in an elderly female with coronary artery disease (CAD), type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) complicated by nephropathy, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of adjunctive hydrogen therapy in an elderly patient with multiple chronic comorbidities.

Case report: An 89-year-old female with a history of CAD s/p who had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) over 40 years ago, type 2 DM complicated by nephropathy, and SLE was admitted with recurrent cellulitis at the saphenous vein donor site from her previous CABG. Despite antibiotic treatment, wound healing remained limited. In January 2023, the patient initiated adjuvant treatment with molecular hydrogen capsules. Following the introduction of hydrogen therapy, her renal function improved, evidenced by a reduction in serum creatinine levels. Chronic fatigue, assessed using the Taiwan Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI-T), showed significant improvement. Immunological evaluation revealed a series of changes, suggesting that immune modulation may be the mechanism underlying the observed clinical benefits.

Conclusion: Hydrogen therapy was associated with improved renal function and a reduced chronic fatigue in this elderly patient with multiple comorbidities, including CAD, DM, and SLE. The case underscores the potential therapeutic role of hydrogen therapy in immune modulation and the management of chronic conditions, suggesting the need for further investigation in clinical settings.