Pros and cons of corticosteroid therapy for COVID-19 patients

Highlights

• COVID-19 is associated with cytokine storm, and eventually related to septic shock and ARDS.

• Steroids are discouraged for use in viral lung infections, including COVID-19, with exceptions.

• Corticosteroids are indicated for adults with refractory septic shock and moderate and severe ARDS.

• Steroids are indicated for management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation.

• Steroids reduced mortality in COVID-19 patients in need of supportive oxygenotherapy or invasive mechanical ventilation.

Abstract

In December 2019, an outbreak of severe pneumonia was reported in Wuhan, China. Later described as COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), this infection caused by a virus from the Coronaviridae family (SARS-CoV-2) has spread globally. Effective therapies for this new disease are urgently needed. In this short communication, we will evaluate the use of corticosteroids as an adjunctive pharmacological therapy in the management of COVID-19 and describe its pros and cons in light of the latest available evidence.