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Published on: November 30, 2022
[Caution with the use of dexamethasone in patients with COVID-19 in its initial phases]
J L Callejas Rubio1, I Aomar Millan2, M Moreno-Higueras2
1Unidad de Enfermedades Autoinmunes Sistémicas, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Cecilio, Granada, España.
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.
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