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Corticosteroids for COVID-19: worth it or not?
Fariya Akter1, Yusha Araf2, Mohammad Jakir Hosen3
1Biotechnology Program, Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brac University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Molecular Biology Reports
|October 13, 2021
Summary
Corticosteroids may help reduce severe inflammation in COVID-19 patients. However, their use remains controversial due to potential side effects and impact on disease progression, warranting further research.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, often associated with excessive proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines.
- This hyperinflammatory state contributes significantly to patient morbidity and mortality.
- Corticosteroids are explored as a therapeutic option to mitigate systemic inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current outcomes and potential applications of corticosteroids in treating COVID-19 patients.
- To address the ongoing controversies surrounding corticosteroid use in this population.
- To synthesize existing research on the efficacy and safety of corticosteroids for COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating corticosteroid use in COVID-19 patients.
- Analysis of data regarding clinical outcomes, side effects, and disease progression.
- Synthesis of findings to present a comprehensive overview of current evidence.
Main Results:
- Corticosteroid use has increased following WHO interim guidelines, despite unresolved controversies.
- Studies on corticosteroid implementation in COVID-19 patients have yielded controversial results.
- Concerns remain regarding long-term side effects and the potential for corticosteroids to worsen disease progression.
Conclusions:
- The use of corticosteroids in COVID-19 management presents a complex clinical scenario.
- Further intensive research is required to clarify the benefits and risks associated with corticosteroid therapy.
- Evidence suggests a need for personalized approaches and continued investigation into optimal treatment strategies.
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