Are intravenous corticosteroid pulses superior to low dose corticosteroids in patients with severe COVID-19?

Eur Respir J. 2022 Oct 20;60(4):2201220. doi: 10.1183/13993003.01220-2022. Print 2022 Oct.

Abstract

Corticosteroids were the first drugs proven to reduce mortality in Covid-19. In June 2020, the RECOVERY group announced the results of their seminal trial showing dexamethasone 6 mg per day was able to reduce 28-day mortality in hospitalized patients with Covid needing supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation [1]. Meta-analysis from randomized controlled trials (RCT) in Covid-19 patients confirmed RECOVERY results [2]. In those RCTs, corticosteroid doses were low (dexamethasone 6 mg per day) or intermediate (dexamethasone up to 20mg per day).

Publication types

  • Editorial
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • COVID-19*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Humans
  • Methylprednisolone / administration & dosage
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Methylprednisolone
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones