Open AccessCalming the Storm: A review of corticosteroid use in severely ill COVID-19 patients on mechanical ventilation
Author(s) -
Tran Van Dinh,
Cherie Chu-Fuluifaga
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of mechanical ventilation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2694-0450
DOI - 10.53097/jmv.10036
Subject(s) - medicine , ards , methylprednisolone , covid-19 , intensive care medicine , prednisone , corticosteroid , mechanical ventilation , dexamethasone , cytokine storm , randomized controlled trial , pharmacodynamics , anesthesia , pharmacology , pharmacokinetics , lung , disease , infectious disease (medical specialty)
The importance of corticosteroids in the therapy of COVID-19 has been controversial. However, as the world develops a better understanding regarding the pathophysiology of COVID-19, we are realizing that suppressing the host immune response may reduce lung inflammation preventing further complications. In addition, more high-quality randomized controlled trials, meta-analysis, and review articles are being published discussing the role of corticosteroids. Majority of these studies concluded that corticosteroids are beneficial for hospitalized severely ill COVID-19 patients requiring supplemental oxygen. To date, therapeutic guidelines for COVID-19 patients recommend dexamethasone or other alternative corticosteroids, including methylprednisolone, hydrocortisone, or prednisone, as a treatment choice for severely ill COVID-19 patients. This review will discuss the pharmacology, mechanism of action, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and benefits of corticosteroids in COVID-19 patients, and review current published clinical evidence on corticosteroids. Keywords: Corticosteroids, COVID-19, ARDS