High-Dose versus Low-Dose Corticosteroids in COVID-19 Patients: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Inflammatory Biomarkers Demonstrate Predictive Capacity for Mortality in COVID-19-Related ARDS Patients Receiving High-Dose Corticosteroids: A Longitudinal Analysis

Purpose

Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who lack clinical improvement are frequently treated with high-dose corticosteroids (HDS). Since HDS is used to reduce hyperinflammation in these patients, levels of (pro-)inflammatory biomarkers after commencing HDS treatment could be useful in predicting mortality. This study aims to evaluate biomarker levels after commencing HDS over time, along with their capacity to predict mortality.

Patients and Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients with COVID-19 ARDS treated with HDS in the intensive care unit (ICU) at an academic hospital in the Netherlands between March 2020-March 2022. Inflammatory biomarkers (ie, C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, ferritin, leukocyte count, interleukin-6 (IL-6), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and procalcitonin (PCT)) were assessed daily from start of HDS (ie baseline) until day 7. Associations between biomarker levels and all-cause-hospital-mortality were evaluated each day using logistic regression, with cut-offs identified by optimizing sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp).

Results

Of the 122 patients included, 53 (43.4%) died during hospitalization. HDS was initiated for a median 7 days (IQR=1-11) after ICU admission. At baseline, a moderately high predictive capacity for mortality was observed at a ferritin level >1281 µg/L (Se=62%/Sp=64%), leukocyte count >13.7 × 109/L (Se=42%/Sp=79%), and NLR >12.1 (Se=61%/Sp=77%). During follow-up, CRP >50 mg/L on day 6 (Se=50%/Sp=75%) and >42 mg/L on day 7 (Se=50%/Sp=75%), ferritin >1082 µg/L on day 6 (Se 63%/Sp=71%) and >1852 µg/L on day 7 (Se=31%/Sp=79%), IL-6 >67 mg/L on day 7 (Se=56%/Sp=79%) and LDH >396U/L on day 6 (Se=38%/Sp=83%) and >373 U/L on day 7 (Se=47%/Sp=72%) showed moderate capacity to predict mortality. NLR was consistently associated with mortality for all days, except day 1 (Se=36-68%/Sp=72-92%).

Conclusion

In COVID-19 ARDS patients receiving HDS, several clinically available inflammatory biomarkers moderately predicted all-cause-hospital-mortality after the start of HDS, particularly on days 6 and 7. NLR demonstrated the most consistent association with mortality over time. The use of these markers requires validation in larger cohorts.

A Retrospective Data Audit of Outcome of Moderate and Severe Covid-19 Patients Who Had Received MP and Dex: A Single Center Study

Purpose

To evaluate the necessity of the application of glucocorticoid (GC) in moderate COVID-19 patients, and which is the optimal choice between methylprednisolone (MP) and dexamethasone (DEX) in the clinical use of GC in different types of COVID-19 patients.

Patients and Methods

The study included patients with COVID-19 in Shanxi, China, from December 18, 2022, to March 1, 2023. The main clinical outcomes were 30-day mortality, disease exacerbations, and hospitalization days. Secondary outcomes included the demand for non-invasive ventilator-assisted ventilation (NIPPV)/invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), the need for GC regimen escalation in follow-up treatment, duration of GC treatment, and complications including hyperglycemia and fungal infection.

Results

In moderate patients (N = 351), the rate of exacerbation and the need for GC regimen escalation in follow-up treatment was highest in the no-use GC group (P = 0.025, P = 0.01), the rate of fungal infections was highest in the DEX group (P = 0.038), and MP 40 mg/day or DEX 5 mg/day reduced exacerbations with consistent effects. In severe patients (N = 371), the two GC regimens do not affect their 30-day mortality and exacerbation rate, but the number of hospital days was significantly lower in the MP group compared with the DEX group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

GC use is beneficial in mitigating exacerbations in moderate patients and in patients with moderate COVID-19. In severe patients, MP reduces the number of hospitalization days compared with DEX and may be a superior choice.

High-Dose Corticosteroid Use in Severe to Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19: A Nationwide Population-Based Matched Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Systemic corticosteroids have become the standard of care for severe to critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the real-world efficacy and safety outcomes associated with a higher dose of corticosteroids remain uncertain.

METHODS

We conducted a nationwide, population-based, matched cohort study of severe to critically ill adult patients with COVID-19 between January 2020 and June 2021 in Korea using the National Health Information Database. Patients using systemic corticosteroids were included and high-dose corticosteroid use was defined as a daily mean prescribed dose of more than 6 mg of dexamethasone. We then employed a proportional hazard regression model to identify prognostic factors for 28-day all-cause mortality and conducted a Fine and Gray regression model to assess risk factors for developing COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA).

RESULTS

During the study period, 102,304 patients with COVID-19 were screened, 5,754 met the eligibility criteria, and 2,138 were successfully matched. The mean prescribed daily dose was 4.2 mg and 13.4 mg in the standard- and high-dose groups, respectively, and the mean duration of use was not different between the groups. High-dose corticosteroid use independently increased all-cause mortality at 28 days (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25-1.76) and 90 days (aHR, 1.63; CI, 1.44-1.85) after admission. Subgroup analysis revealed a statistically significant elevation in the risk of mortality among patients using low-flow or high-flow nasal cannulas, with aHRs of 1.41 and 1.46, respectively. No significant impact of high-dose steroids was observed, even in patients who underwent mechanical ventilation at 28 days (aHR, 1.17; CI, 0.79-1.72). As a safety outcome, high-dose corticosteroid use showed an association with the development of CAPA (aHR, 2.97; 95% CI, 0.94-9.43).

CONCLUSION

Among severe to critically ill patients with COVID-19, high-dose corticosteroid use was associated with increased 28-day all-cause mortality and showed a trend toward the development of CAPA.

Dexamethasone doses in patients with COVID-19 and hypoxia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The optimal dose of dexamethasone for severe/critical COVID-19 is uncertain. We compared higher versus standard doses of dexamethasone in adults with COVID-19 and hypoxia.

METHODS

We searched PubMed and trial registers until 23 June 2023 for randomised clinical trials comparing higher (>6 mg) versus standard doses (6 mg) of dexamethasone in adults with COVID-19 and hypoxia. The primary outcome was mortality at 1 month. Secondary outcomes were mortality closest to 90 days; days alive without life support; and the occurrence of serious adverse events/reactions (SAEs/SARs) closest to 1 month. We assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane RoB2 tool, risk of random errors using trial sequential analysis, and certainty of evidence using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).

RESULTS

We included eight trials (2478 participants), of which four (1293 participants) had low risk of bias. Higher doses of dexamethasone probably resulted in little to no difference in mortality at 1 month (relative risk [RR] 0.97, 95% CI: 0.79-1.19), mortality closest to Day 90 (RR 1.01, 95% CI: 0.86-1.20), and SAEs/SARs (RR 1.00, 95% CI: 0.97-1.02). Higher doses of dexamethasone probably increased the number of days alive without invasive mechanical ventilation and circulatory support but had no effect on days alive without renal replacement therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on low to moderate certainty evidence, higher versus standard doses of dexamethasone probably result in little to no difference in mortality, SAEs/SARs, and days alive without renal replacement therapy, but probably increase the number of days alive without invasive mechanical ventilation and circulatory support.

Patterns of corticosteroid use among remdesivir and matched patients and associated clinical outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to investigate patterns of corticosteroid use and their relationship with remdesivir use and clinical outcomes in a large real-life cohort of COVID-19 patients treated in a tertiary-level institution.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed a total of 1558 severe and critical COVID-19 patients, including 779 patients treated with remdesivir and 779 matched control patients.

RESULTS

A total of 167 (10.7%) patients received none, 710 (45.6%) low, 539 (34.6%) high, and 142 (9.1%) very high corticosteroid doses. Patients treated with remdesivir had significantly longer exposure to corticosteroids, received higher average and maximal daily doses, and cumulative corticosteroid doses. In the multivariate analysis remdesivir use, lower cumulative comorbidity burden, higher severity of COVID-19 symptoms, and mechanical ventilation were recognized as mutually independent predictors of the use of higher corticosteroid doses. Higher corticosteroid doses were associated with significantly increased mortality.Among non-remdesivir treated patients, there was a U-shaped relationship between maximal daily corticosteroid dose and mortality. Among remdesivir treated patients gradual increase in mortality with increasing corticosteroid doses was observed.

CONCLUSION

Patterns of corticosteroid use differ regarding the use of remdesivir and may moderate its association with survival among severe and critical COVID-19 patients.

Case report: Enhancing prognosis in severe COVID-19 through human herpes virus coinfection treatment strategies

Background

In the context of increasing reports of co-infection with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), particularly with human herpes viruses (HHVs), it is important to consider the appropriate treatment options for HHVs that have been reactivated by COVID-19.

Case presentation

This study presents two cases of severe COVID-19 with HHV co-infection. The first case involved a critically ill patient with COVID-19 co-infected with herpes simplex virus type 1, confirmed using metagenomic next-generation sequencing, and another patient with severe COVID-19 experiencing Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation, as evidenced by elevated EBV-DNA levels in the serum. Treatment included high-dose glucocorticoids and sivelestat sodium, with notable improvements observed after initiating ganciclovir anti-herpesvirus therapy.

Conclusion

This study underscores the significance of recognizing HHV co-infections in severe COVID-19 cases and highlights the potential of combining anti-HHV treatment, increased glucocorticoid dosages, and anti-cytokine storm therapy to enhance prognosis.

Corticosteroid Dosing Level, Incidence and Profile of Bacterial Blood Stream Infections in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

COVID-19 patients with severe or critical symptoms are often treated with corticosteroids, per contemporary guidelines. Due to their immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory properties, corticosteroids are associated with the development of superinfections. We aimed to retrospectively assess patterns of corticosteroid use and the profiles of bacterial blood stream infections associated with exposure to different dosing levels, in a cohort of 1558 real-life adult COVID-19 patients. A total of 1391 (89.3%) patients were treated with corticosteroids, with 710 (45.6%) patients receiving low, 539 (34.6%) high and 142 (9.1%) very high corticosteroid doses. Bacteremia developed in a total of 178 (11.4%) patients. The risk of bacteremia was of similar magnitude between the no and low-dose corticosteroid treatments (p = 0.352), whereas it progressively increased with high (OR 6.18, 95% CI (2.66-14.38), p < 0.001) and very high corticosteroid doses (OR 8.12, 95% CI (3.29-20.05), p < 0.001), compared to no corticosteroid treatment. These associations persisted after multivariate adjustments and were present independently of sex, comorbidity burden, and mechanical ventilation. The profiles of individual bacterial pathogens differed depending on the used corticosteroid doses. High and very high corticosteroid doses are frequently used for real-life COVID-19 patients with severe and critical clinical presentations and are associated with a higher risk of bacteremia independently of sex, comorbidity burden, and mechanical ventilation use.

What did we learn about tocilizumab use against COVID-19? A single-center observational study from an intensive care unit in Serbia

Background

Selection of effective and safe therapy for management of patients with coronavirus disease is challenging. Tocilizumab (TZB) has emerged as a potential treatment option for COVID-19. Several aspects regarding Tocilizumab treatment remain uncertain, such as the optimal timing for its administration and the safety profile, including the potential risk of infections. The aim of the study is to present the clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 following the application of Tocilizumab.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of 121 patients with severe forms of COVID-19 previously treated with Tocilizumab was conducted. All patients were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs).

Results

Of 121 patients, the majority were men 72 (59.5%) with a median age at presentation of 65 ± 13 years. Only 9 (7.43%) patients were without comorbidities, while the other 112 (92.55%) had two or more comorbidities. Almost all of the 120 patients (99.2%) needed oxygen therapy, such as nasal cannulas in 110 (90.9%) patients, high flow nasal catheter (HFNC) in 4 (3.3%) patients, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in 5 (4.1%) patients while 1 patient was intubated at the time of hospital admission. The average time from Tocilizumab application to admission to the ICU was 3 days. During clinical deterioration, almost half 57 (47.1%) of the patients were intubated, and 52 (82.5%) of these intubated patients (p < 0.001) had lethal outcomes. The most significant predictors for a lethal outcome according to multivariate analysis were diabetes mellitus (p < 0.001) followed by a subsequent elevation in C-reactive protein levels (CRP; p < 0.002) and ferritin (p < 0.013) after Tocilizumab application. Bloodstream infections were found in 20 (16.5%) patients, most frequently with Gram-negative pathogens like Acinetobacter spp. as in 12 (18.6%) patients, Klebsiella spp. in 6 (8%) patients, and Pseudomonas spp. in 2 (3.2%) patients. Urine culture isolates were found in 9 (7.43%) patients, with Candida spp. being most frequently isolated in 7 (5.8%) patients, followed by Klebsiella spp. and Pseudomonas spp. in 1 patient each (0.8%). Significantly lower survival was seen in patients with proven infection.

Conclusion

The benefit of tocilizumab was not found in our study. The high mortality rate among intubated patients after Tocilizumab use suggests appropriate patient selection and monitoring and emphasizes the risk of superinfections. Diabetes mellitus, increased levels of CRP, and ferritin were identified as the most significant predictors of poor outcomes in contrast to increased levels of IL-6.

Methylprednisolone or dexamethasone? How should we choose to respond to COVID-19?: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Methylprednisolone (MP) and dexamethasone (DXM) are commonly prescribed hormone drugs for treating coronavirus pandemic disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, but conflicting results from previous studies and meta-analyses on their efficacy and safety necessitate further investigation. Therefore, in this study, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to enhance the level of evidence and compare the efficacy and safety of MP and DXM in COVID-19 patients.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases to retrieve randomized clinical trials. Our primary outcome measure was all-cause mortality, with secondary outcomes including admission to the intensive care unit, length of hospital stay, mechanical ventilation, and adverse events.

RESULTS

This study analyzed six randomized controlled trials involving 1403 patients (MP group: 704; DXM group: 699). The results of the analysis showed no significant differences in mortality rates, admission to intensive care units, hospitalization time, mechanical ventilation, or adverse events between the MP and DXM groups (P > .05). However, a significant difference was observed in the incidence of hyperglycemia between these 2 groups (RR = 1.78, 95% CI [1.09, 2.89], P = .02, I2 = 78%).

CONCLUSION

The results of this meta-analysis showed that there was no difference in mortality, ICU admission rate, hospital stay, mechanical ventilation, or adverse events between MP and DXM in the treatment of COVID-19. The incidence of hyperglycemia with methylprednisolone was higher than that with dexamethasone.

Glucocorticoid pulse therapy in an elderly patient with post-COVID-19 organizing pneumonia: A case report

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary fibrosis often occurs as a sequel of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, in some cases, it can rapidly progress, similar to the acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease. Glucocorticoids are the standard treatment for severe COVID-19 pneumonia requiring oxygen supply; however, the post-COVID-19 efficacy of high-dose steroid therapy remains unclear. Here, we presented a case of an 81-year-old man who developed acute respiratory failure after COVID-19 and was treated with glucocorticoid pulse therapy.

CASE SUMMARY

An 81-year-old man with no respiratory symptoms was admitted due to a diabetic foot. He had been previously treated for COVID-19 pneumonia six weeks prior. However, upon admission, he suddenly complained of dyspnea and required a high-flow oxygen supply. Initial simple chest radiography and computed tomography (CT) revealed diffuse ground-glass opacities and consolidation in both lungs. However, repeated sputum tests did not identify any infectious pathogens, and initial broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy did not result in any clinical improvement with the patient having an increasing oxygen demand. The patient was diagnosed with post-COVID-19 organizing pneumonia. Thus, we initiated glucocorticoid pulse therapy of 500 mg for three days followed by a tapered dose on hospital day (HD) 9. After three days of pulse treatment, the patient's oxygen demand decreased. The patient was subsequently discharged on HD 41, and chest radiography and CT scans have almost normalized nine months after discharge.

CONCLUSION

Glucocorticoid pulse therapy may be considered when the usual glucocorticoid dose is ineffective for patients with COVID-19 sequelae.

Optimal Dosing and Timing of High-Dose Corticosteroid Therapy in Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19: Study Protocol for a Retrospective Observational Multicenter Study (SELECT)

BACKGROUND

In hospitalized patients with COVID-19, the dosing and timing of corticosteroids vary widely. Low-dose dexamethasone therapy reduces mortality in patients requiring respiratory support, but it remains unclear how to treat patients when this therapy fails. In critically ill patients, high-dose corticosteroids are often administered as salvage late in the disease course, whereas earlier administration may be more beneficial in preventing disease progression. Previous research has revealed that increased levels of various biomarkers are associated with mortality, and whole blood transcriptome sequencing has the ability to identify host factors predisposing to critical illness in patients with COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE

Our goal is to determine the most optimal dosing and timing of corticosteroid therapy and to provide a basis for personalized corticosteroid treatment regimens to reduce morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, observational, multicenter study that includes adult patients who were hospitalized due to COVID-19 in the Netherlands. We will use the differences in therapeutic strategies between hospitals (per protocol high-dose corticosteroids or not) over time to determine whether high-dose corticosteroids have an effect on the following outcome measures: mechanical ventilation or high-flow nasal cannula therapy, in-hospital mortality, and 28-day survival. We will also explore biomarker profiles in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and use whole blood transcriptome analysis to determine factors that influence the relationship between high-dose corticosteroids and outcome. Existing databases that contain routinely collected electronic data during ward and intensive care admissions, as well as existing biobanks, will be used. We will apply longitudinal modeling appropriate for each data structure to answer the research questions at hand.

RESULTS

As of April 2023, data have been collected for a total of 1500 patients, with data collection anticipated to be completed by December 2023. We expect the first results to be available in early 2024.

CONCLUSIONS

This study protocol presents a strategy to investigate the effect of high-dose corticosteroids throughout the entire clinical course of hospitalized patients with COVID-19, from hospital admission to the ward or intensive care unit until hospital discharge. Moreover, our exploration of biomarker and gene expression profiles for targeted corticosteroid therapy represents a first step towards personalized COVID-19 corticosteroid treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05403359; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05403359.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/48183.

Fungal infection profile in critically ill COVID-19 patients: a prospective study at a large teaching hospital in a middle-income country

BACKGROUND

Critically ill COVID-19 patients are highly susceptible to opportunistic fungal infection due to many factors, including virus-induced immune dysregulation, host-related comorbidities, overuse and misuse of antibiotics or corticosteroids, immune modulator drugs, and the emergencies caused by the pandemic. This study aimed to assess the incidence, identify the potential risk factors, and examine the impact of fungal coinfection on the outcomes of COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

METHODS

A prospective cohort study including 253 critically ill COVID-19 patients aged 18 years or older admitted to the isolation ICU of Zagazig University Hospitals over a 4-month period from May 2021 to August 2021 was conducted. The detection of a fungal infection was carried out.

RESULTS

Eighty-three (83) patients (32.8%) were diagnosed with a fungal coinfection. Candida was the most frequently isolated fungus in 61 (24.1%) of 253 critically ill COVID-19 patients, followed by molds, which included Aspergillus 11 (4.3%) and mucormycosis in five patients (1.97%), and six patients (2.4%) diagnosed with other rare fungi. Poor diabetic control, prolonged or high-dose steroids, and multiple comorbidities were all possible risk factors for fungal coinfection [OR (95% CI) = 10.21 (3.43-30.39), 14.1 (5.67-35.10), 14.57 (5.83-33.78), and 4.57 (1.83-14.88), respectively].

CONCLUSION

Fungal coinfection is a common complication of critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU. Candidiasis, aspergillosis, and mucormycosis are the most common COVID-19-associated fungal infections and have a great impact on mortality rates.

Steroid exposure and outcome in COVID-19 pneumonia

Background

Corticosteroids are used to treat COVID-19 pneumonia. However, the optimal dose is unclear. This study describes the association between corticosteroid exposure with disease severity and outcome in COVID-19 pneumonia.

Methods

This is a single-centre retrospective, observational study including adult ICU patients who received systemic corticosteroids for COVID-19 pneumonia between March 2020 and March 2021. We recorded patient characteristics, disease severity, total steroid exposure, respiratory support and gas exchange data, and 90-day mortality.

Results

We included 362 patients. We allocated patients to groups with increasing disease severity according to the highest level of respiratory support that they received: high-flow nasal oxygen or continuous positive airway pressure (HFNO/CPAP) in 12.7%, invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in 61.6%, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in 25.7%. For these three groups, the median (inter-quartile range [IQR]) age was 61 (54-71) vs 58 (50-66) vs 46 (38-53) yr, respectively (P<0.001); median (IQR) APACHE (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation) II scores were 12 (9-15) vs 14 (12-18) vs 15 (12-17), respectively (P=0.006); the median (IQR) lowest P a O 2 /FiO₂ ratio was 15.1 (11.8-21.7) vs 15.1 (10.7-22.2) vs 9.5 (7.9-10.9) kPa, respectively (P<0.001). Ninety-day mortality was 9% vs 27% vs 37% (P=0.002). Median (IQR) dexamethasone-equivalent exposure was 37 (24-62) vs 174 (86-504) vs 535 (257-1213) mg (P<0.001). 'Pulsed' steroids were administered to 26% of the IMV group and 48% of the ECMO group. Patients with higher disease severity who received pulse steroids had a higher 90-day mortality.

Conclusions

Corticosteroid exposure increased with the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia. Pulsed dose steroids were used more frequently in patients receiving greater respiratory support. Future studies should address patient selection and outcomes associated with pulsed dose steroids in patients with severe and deteriorating COVID-19 pneumonia.

Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of Low-Dose Versus High-Dose Dexamethasone in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: A Meta-Analysis

The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of low-dose and high-dose dexamethasone in hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. The current meta-analysis was conducted in compliance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was carried out using PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Embase. Outcomes assessed in the current meta-analysis included 28-day mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation, length of ICU admission (days), and length of hospital stay (days). For safety, we compared hypoglycemia and the incidence of infection between the high-dose dexamethasone group and the low-dose dexamethasone group. A total of four studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in this meta-analysis. No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of ICU admission (risk ratio (RR): 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.41-1.28, p-value: 0.27), length of stay in ICU in days (mean difference (MD): -0.05, 95%CI: -3.96-3.87, p-value: 0.98, I-square: 94%), length of hospital stay in days (MD: -0.94, 95%CI: -1.94-0.06, p-value: 0.07), need of mechanical ventilation (RR: 0.72, 95%CI: 0.36-1.48, p-value: 0.38), and 28-day mortality (RR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.50-1.64, p-value: 0.74). The current study showed that higher doses of dexamethasone failed to enhance efficacy compared to low-dose dexamethasone. Thus, based on the findings of this meta-analysis, low-dose dexamethasone can be recommended for these patients.

[Drug therapy interventions for acute SARS-CoV-2 infection: who, when, and what?]

There is a variety of drug therapy options for treatment of acute SARS-CoV-2 infections. The updated S3 guideline "Recommendations for inpatient therapy of patients with COVID-19" provides clear recommendations in this regard. Which therapy is best suited for which patient and in which phase of the disease must be decided individually based on risk factors, comorbidities and contraindications. This article provides an overview.

Corticosteroids use for COVID-19: an overview of systematic reviews

PURPOSE

A reappraisal of the validity of the conclusions of systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses related to corticosteroids use for the treatment of COVID-19.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An overview of SRs (umbrella review). The methodological quality of the SRs was assessed using tha AMSTAR-2 checklist; quality of the evidence was appraised following the GRADE approach.

RESULTS

35 SRs were included in this overview. Data were from 307 overlapping reports, based on 121 individual primary studies (25 randomized clinical trials (RCTs), 96 non-RCTs. In critically ill patients the use of steroids significantly reduced mortality compared to standard of care in 80% of the SRs, more often with moderate/high level of certainty; however, in patients not requiring oxygen supplementation the use of steroids increased the overall mortality in 2/3 of the comparisons. Clinical progression of diseases (need for mechanical ventilation, or for intensive care admission) was more commonly observed among controls compared to steroids recipients (in 9 out of 14 comparisons; certainty of evidence from very-low to moderate). The occurrence of adverse events was similar among steroids recipients and controls. Other outcomes (i.e., viral clearance, length of hospital stay) or issue related to optimal dose and type of steroids were addressed in a minority of SRs, with a high level of uncertainty, so that no definitive conclusions can be drawn.

CONCLUSIONS

There is moderate certainty of evidence that corticosteroids reduce mortality and progression of disease in critically ill COVID-19 patients compared to standard of care, without increasing the occurrence of adverse events.

Low-dose versus high-dose dexamethasone for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia: A randomized clinical trial

Background

Dexamethasone 6 mg daily for 10 days is the recommended treatment for patients with severe or critical coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The evidence on the benefit of high-dose dexamethasone is limited. The goal of this study was to assess the effects of 6 mg daily vs. 20 mg daily of dexamethasone in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

Methods

We conducted a single-center, randomized, clinical trial involving hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Participants were randomized 1:1 to dexamethasone 6 mg daily or dexamethasone 20 mg daily, and were stratified by the WHO-Ordinal Scale for Clinical Improvement (OSCI). The primary outcome was clinical improvement equal to or greater than 2 points by OSCI on day 28. Secondary outcomes were 28-day mortality, intensive care unit-free days, and ventilator-free days on day 28.

Results

Of the 107 patients who enrolled and completed the follow up, 55 patients enrolled in the low-dose group and 52 patients enrolled in the high-dose group. Treatment with dexamethasone 20 mg daily compared with dexamethasone 6 mg daily did not result in better clinical improvement based on OSCI on day 28 (71.2% vs. 78.2%; odds ratio, 1.45 [0.55–3.86]; p = 0.403). For participants who required high-flow oxygen or noninvasive ventilation at randomization, the 6-mg group had better survival than the 20-mg group on day 28 (100% vs. 57.1%; p = 0.025). Although more participants in the 6-mg group received immune modulators (40% vs. 21.2%; p = 0.035), 50% of death cases in the 20-mg group who required high-flow oxygen or noninvasive ventilation at randomization received immune modulators.

Conclusions

Dexamethasone 20 mg daily did not result in better clinical outcome improvement, and was probably associated with higher 28-day mortality in patients on high-flow oxygen or noninvasive ventilation, compared with dexamethasone 6 mg daily.

Trial registration

Clinialtrials.gov number, NCT04707534, registered January 13, 2021