Effect of methylprednisolone in severe and critical COVID-19: Analysis of 102 cases

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has brought great challenges to public health. Aggravation of COVID-19 is closely related to the secondary systemic inflammatory response. Glucocorticoids are used to control severe diseases caused by the cytokine storm, owing to their anti-inflammatory effects. However, glucocorticoids are a double-edged sword, as the use of large doses has the potential risk of secondary infection and long-term serious complications, and may prolong virus clearance time. Nonetheless, the risks and benefits of glucocorticoid adjuvant therapy for COVID-19 are inconclusive. AIM: To determine the effect of methylprednisolone in severe and critically ill patients with COVID-19. METHODS: ), and coagulation function. Patient clinical outcomes were discharge or death. RESULTS: = 0.655). The COX regression equation was used to correct the variables with differences, and the results showed that methylprednisolone treatment did not improve prognosis. CONCLUSION: Methylprednisolone treatment does not improve prognosis in severe and critical COVID-19 patients.