- The use of systemic corticosteroids may result in viral replication, worsening one’s current COVID-19 condition.
  - This could be a result of the suppression of the immune system
- Levels of lymphocytes were still low after administration of systemic corticosteroids
   - Results in higher susceptibility to superinfections
- Systemic corticosteroids could also result in high blood glucose levels
- Complications more likely in the elderly


Michigan State University

The results from this study shows that there mght not be an effect of corticosteroid treatment or even a negative effect on in-hospital moratlity rates for severe and critical Covid-19 cases

Systemic Corticosteroids and Mortality in Severe and Critical COVID-19 Patients in Wuhan, China

Wu, J., Huang, J., Zhu, G., Liu, Y., Xiao, H., Zhou, Q., ... & Xiao, H. (2020). Systemic corticosteroids and mortality in severe and critical COVID-19 patients in Wuhan, China. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 105(12), e4230-e4239.

When comparing the baseline characteristics between corticosteroid use group and non-corticosteroid use group, significant differences in several admission laboratory values for the critical cases while severe cases had significant differences in age, gender, several admission laboratory values, and smoking.

Baseline characteristics between corticosteroid use group and non-corticosteroid use group

Issues with Corticosteroid Treatment

- Different baseline conditions for those provided and not provided with corticosteroids
- Most patients were put on prednisone along with corticosteroids
- Yet, it was found that dexamethasone prevents inflammation
   - Its potency is 4-5 times that of prednisone
   - Over 20 times more potent than cortisol in its natural state
- After baseline conditions were balanced, however, it was still found that corticosteroid used was still not linked with lower risks of mortality


Corticosteroids: Conflicting results with the recovery trial

China’s National Health Commission recommended that corticosteroids be used in low doses over a short period of time for those who are not responding well.

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