Open AccessTherapeutic response to corticosteroids in a critically ill patient with COVID-19
Author(s) -
Wang KaiGe,
Fen Tan,
Rui Zhou,
Dan Liu,
Zhenyu Ni,
Jiasheng Liu,
Fengming Luo
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.59
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1536-5964
pISSN - 0025-7974
DOI - 10.1097/md.0000000000021597
Subject(s) - medicine , critically ill , nasal cannula , covid-19 , oxygenation , adverse effect , single center , anesthesia , surgery , disease , cannula , infectious disease (medical specialty)
Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in Wuhan in late 2019, controversy on the use of corticosteroids for COVID-19 has obtained increasing attention. We present 1 critically ill patient who had a rapid therapeutic response to moderate-dose corticosteroids. Patient concerns: A 53-year-old critically ill woman from Wuhan suffered with COVID-19. Diagnosis: The chest computed tomography scan was suggestive of COVID-19. The diagnosis was confirmed by a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test for SARS-CoV-2. The critically ill status was characterized by worsening dyspnea, progressing bilateral lung consolidation, and poor oxygenation (SiO 2 /FiO 2 :110 mm Hg). Interventions: The patient was treated with a moderate dose of intravenous corticosteroids and high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy. Outcomes: After the initiation of corticosteroids, the patient rapidly improved over the following 6 days. Serial chest computed tomography scans showed good absorption of the consolidations. The patient was discharged on Day 17 of hospitalization without obvious adverse effects. Conclusions: Early use of moderate-dose corticosteroids over a short period may enhance recovery from COVID-19 in critically ill patients.