Caution with the use of dexamethasone in patients with COVID-19 in its initial phases

Link to article at PubMed

Rev Clin Esp. 2021 Mar 6. doi: 10.1016/j.rce.2021.02.001. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The effect of dexamethasone in the initial phase of infection by SARS-CoV-2 and its influence on COVID-19 is not well defined. We describe clinical-radiological characteristics, the cytokine storm parameters, and the clinical evolution of a series of patients treated with dexamethasone in the disease's initial phase.Method: A study of 8 patients who received dexamethasone before the development of COVID-19. We evaluate clinical variables, imaging tests, cytokine release parameters, treatment used and patient evolution.Results: All patients received a 6 mg/day dose with a mean duration of 4.5 days before admission. High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) revealed that most of them presented a severe extension; most patients had a slightly elevated level of cytokine release parameters. Three patients required high-flow oxygen therapy due to respiratory failure; none required orotracheal intubation or died.Conclusion: Dexamethasone in the early stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection appears to be associated with severe COVID-19.

PMID:33716310 | PMC:PMC7936543 | DOI:10.1016/j.rce.2021.02.001

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