Impact Of Corticosteroids Research Articles

Impact of Corticosteroid on Covid-19 Pneumonia Patients

Background: Globally over 704,753890 had COVID -19 Out of which 7,010,681 died compared to 12031 death in Nepal out of1003450 cases Nationwide. Corticosteroids because of their anti- inflammatory effect may have beneficial effect/s on COVID-19 patients. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the pathogen responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which has resulted in global healthcare crises and strained health resources. Corticosteroids are a potential therapeutic agent for patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. The RECOVERY (Randomised Trials in COVID-19 Therapy) trial provided data on the mortality benefits of corticosteroids. Aim: The study aims to see the effect of Corticosteroids on COVID-19 patient outcomes concerning disease progression, length of hospital stay, 28-day mortality, and use of resources like Ventilator. Method: Single Hospital-based Prospective observational study among RT-PCR positive for COVID-19 patients admitted at Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital from June 01, 2021 –July 31st, 2021 requiring oxygen therapy. Patients were grouped into either usual care, including symptomatic treatment only, or a group receiving both usual care and Corticosteroid. Results: This study included 160 RT-PCR-positive cases. There were 53 patients with mild symptoms and 107 with moderate symptoms. Patients with mild symptoms who received standard care had an odds ratio of 1.875 for progression to moderate and severe COVID-19 Compared to those who received both standard care and corticosteroid. Similarly, Patients with moderate symptoms who received standard care had an odds ratio of 1.8 for progression to severe and critical COVID-19 Compared to those who received both standard care as well as corticosteroids. Among patients with mild symptoms, the overall use of a ventilator was 35.85 % and mortality was 13.21 %. Similarly, in patients with moderate symptoms at presentation, a ventilator was needed in 33.64 % and mortality was 24.30 %. Conclusion: Though Corticosteroids seem to have a beneficial role in preventing disease progression, they failed to show a statistically significant reduction of ventilator use and mortality benefit amongst groups.

Cost-effectiveness of COVID rapid diagnostic tests for patients with severe/critical illness in low- and middle-income countries: A modeling study.

Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for coronavirus disease (COVID) are used in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to inform treatment decisions. However, to date, it is unclear when this use is cost-effective. Existing analyses are limited to a narrow set of countries and uses. The aim of this study is to assess the cost-effectiveness of COVID RDTs to inform the treatment of patients with severe illness in LMICs, considering real world practice. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of COVID testing across LMICs using a decision tree model, differentiating results by country income level, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) prevalence, and testing scenario (none, RDTs, polymerase chain reaction tests-PCRs and combinations). LMIC experts defined realistic care pathways and treatment options. Using a healthcare provider perspective and net monetary benefit approach, we assessed both intended (COVID symptom alleviation) and unintended (treatment side effects) health and economic impacts for each testing scenario. We included the side effects of corticosteroids, which are often the only available treatment for COVID. Because side effects depend both on the treatment and the patient's underlying illness (COVID or COVID-like illnesses, such as influenza), we considered the prevalence of COVID-like illnesses in our analyses. We found that SARS-CoV-2 testing of patients with severe COVID-like illness can be cost-effective in all LMICs, though only in some circumstances. High influenza prevalence among suspected COVID cases improves cost-effectiveness, since incorrectly provided corticosteroids may worsen influenza outcomes. In low- and some lower-middle-income countries, only patients with a high index of suspicion for COVID should be tested with RDTs, while other patients should be presumed to not have COVID. In some lower-middle-income and upper-middle-income countries, suspected severe COVID cases should almost always be tested. Further, in these settings, negative test results in patients with a high initial index of suspicion should be confirmed through PCR and, during influenza outbreaks, positive results in patients with a low initial index of suspicion should also be confirmed with a PCR. The use of interleukin-6 receptor blockers, when supported by testing, may also be cost-effective in higher-income LMICs. The cost at which they would be cost-effective in low-income countries ($162 to $406 per treatment course) is below current prices. The primary limitation of our analysis is substantial uncertainty around some of the parameters in our model due to limited data, most notably on current COVID mortality with standard of care, and insufficient evidence on the impact of corticosteroids on patients with severe influenza. COVID testing can be cost-effective to inform treatment of LMIC patients with severe COVID-like disease. The optimal algorithm is driven by country income level and health budgets, the level of suspicion that the patient may have COVID, and influenza prevalence. Further research to better characterize the unintended effects of corticosteroids, particularly on influenza cases, could improve decision making around the treatment of those with COVID-like symptoms in LMICs.

Triamcinolone acetonide has minimal effect on short- and long-term metabolic activities of cartilage.

Intra-articular corticosteroid injections, such as triamcinolone acetonide (TA), are commonly used by clinicians to manage joint synovial inflammation. However, due to conflicting evidence in literature, there is a fear among clinicians that the injections may be harmful to otherwise healthy cartilage in young patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of TA on young, healthy chondrocytes. Articular cartilage samples were harvested from bovine knee joints (1-2 months old). In both healthy and inflammatory (interleukin-1β) challenged cartilage, samples were treated with TA at doses ranging from 1 nM to 200 μM. Following a short- (2 days) or long-term (10-14 days) treatment, chondrocyte viability, proliferation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and degradation were evaluated with a click chemistry-based technique. Chondrocyte viability, proliferation, and anabolic activity were all minimally affected by short-term and long-term TA treatment. After both acute and sustained inflammatory challenges, TA reduced the catabolic activities in cartilage, reducing nascent glycosaminoglycan loss and maintaining cartilage mechanical properties. Overall, at physiologically relevant doses, TA had minimal negative impact on chondrocytes when maintained within their native ECM.Clinical significance: The findings provide new insight for current clinical practices concerning the use of TA in intra-articular injections, especially in young patients, and established a foundation for future investigations into the impact of corticosteroids on joint homeostasis.

Steroids in acute respiratory distress syndrome: A panacea or still a puzzle?

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a unique entity marked by various etiologies and heterogenous pathophysiologies. There remain concerns regarding the efficacy of particular medications for each severity level apart from respiratory support. Among several pharmacotherapies which have been examined in the treatment of ARDS, corticosteroids, in particular, have demonstrated potential for improving the resolution of ARDS. Nevertheless, it is imperative to consider the potential adverse effects of hyperglycemia, susceptibility to hospital-acquired infections, and the development of intensive care unit acquired weakness when administering corticosteroids. Thus far, a multitude of trials spanning several decades have investigated the role of corticosteroids in ARDS. Further stringent trials are necessary to identify particular subgroups before implementing corticosteroids more widely in the treatment of ARDS. This review article provides a concise overview of the most recent evidence regarding the role and impact of corticosteroids in the management of ARDS.

Impact of corticosteroid (CS) exposure on acquired resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy in patients (pts) with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC): A single centre experience.

404 Background: ICI therapy with Ipilimumab and Nivolumab (I/N) is a first line standard of care option in pts with intermediate – poor risk mRCC, with the longest durable response in this setting. Nonetheless, a high percentage of pts eventually progress on ICI treatment. Currently contributing factors for acquired ICI resistance remain unclear. The impact of CS use on acquired ICI resistance remains controversial and data in mRCC pts is particularly lacking. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of consecutive mRCC pts with primary non-progression to first line I/N. We analysed the use of concurrent CS for all indications including immune related adverse events (IRAE) and compared baseline characteristics of pts who received CS (Cohort A) vs those who did not (Cohort B). Association between CS use, progression and mortality was analysed using multivariable Cox regression model. Adjustment for casemix included IMDC risk score, best response, presence of sarcomatoid/rhabdoid features and brain/liver metastases. Progression free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: 64 pts treated with 1L I/N at the Royal Marsden Hospital with primary non-progression between 2016 - 2022 were included. The commonest histological subtype was clear cell (87.5%) with 30% having sarcomatoid/rhabdoid features. All pts had intermediate - poor IMDC risk, with 34% having poor IMDC risk. 47 pts received CS for any indication (Cohort A) and of these 44 pts for IRAE. 17 pts received no CS (Cohort B). Baseline characteristics including IMDC risk, grade and presence of liver/brain metastases were not statistically different between cohorts. 57 pts were eligible for survival analysis with 33 progression events. Median follow up was 22.5 months overall. At multivariable analysis no factors were significantly associated with PFS or OS. Median PFS was 16 months (95% CI 10, 33) in cohort A vs 25 months (95% CI 8, not reached [NR]) in cohort B. PFS was 39% (95% CI 23%, 55%) in Cohort A vs 50% (95% CI 19%, 75%) in Cohort B at 2 years, and 30% (95% CI 15%, 47%) vs 38% (95% CI 10%, 66%), at 3 years respectively. Median OS was 55 months (95% CI 21, NR) in cohort A and NR in cohort B. OS was 60% (95% CI 41%, 74%) in cohort A vs 65% (95% CI 23%, 88%) in cohort B at 2 years and 55% (95% CI 36%, 71%) vs 65% (95% CI 23%, 88%) at 3 years. Cumulative doses and time of CS initiation will be included in the final analysis to determine their impact on above outcomes. Conclusions: Although no statistically significant association was seen between CS use and PFS or OS, our results suggest a trend towards shorter time to progression and survival with CS use in pts on 1L I/N for mRCC. While further analyses regarding the dosage and timing of CS are underway, given this is a single centre retrospective analysis, these results would need to be confirmed in larger studies.

Plasma level of Placental Protein13 (PP13) in Placental-Derived Extracellular Vesicles (PEV) is elevated in patients with preeclamsia but not in preterm delivery and the impact of corticosteroids

Plasma level of Placental Protein13 (PP13) in Placental-Derived Extracellular Vesicles (PEV) is elevated in patients with preeclamsia but not in preterm delivery and the impact of corticosteroids

Dynamic interplay between corticosteroid treatment and the role of SRC-1 gene dysregulation in the progression of WHO-Grade 4 Astrocytoma

BackgroundCorticosteroid is commonly used before surgery to control cerebral oedema in brain tumours and is frequently continued throughout treatment. Its long-term effect of on the recurrence of WHO-Grade 4 astrocytoma remains controversial. The interaction between corticosteroid, SRC-1 gene and cytotoxic T-cells has never been investigated.MethodsA retrospective cohort of 36 patients with WHO-Grade 4 astrocytoma were examined for CD8 + T-cell and SRC-1 gene expressions through IHC and qRT-PCR. The impact of corticosteroid on CD8+T-cells infiltration, SRC-1 expression, and tumour recurrence was analyzed.ResultsThe mean patients age was 47-years, with a male to female ratio 1.2. About 78% [n = 28] of the cases showed reduced or no CD8+T-cell expression while 22% [n = 8] of cases have showed medium to high CD8+T-cell expression. SRC-1 gene was upregulated in 5 cases [14%] and 31 cases [86%] showed SRC-1 downregulation. The average of total days and doses of administered corticosteroid from the preoperative period to the postoperative period was at range of 14–106 days and 41–5028 mg, respectively. There was no significant statistical difference in RFI among tumours expressing high or low CD8+T-cells when corticosteroid was administered in recommended or exceeded doses [p-value = 0.640]. There was a significant statistical difference in RFI between CD8+T-Cell expression and SRC-1 gene dysregulation [p-value = 002]. Tumours with high CD8+T T-cell expression and SRC-1 gene downregulation had late recurrence.ConclusionsCorticosteroid treatment can directly affect the SRC-1 gene regulation but does not directly influence cytotoxic T-cells infiltration or tumor progression. However, SRC-1 gene downregulation can facilitate late tumor recurrence.

Impact of corticosteroids use on midterm sequelae in survivors of COVID-19 admitted to hospital: A prospective cohort study.

An understanding of the midterm sequelae in COVID-19 and their association with corticosteroids use are needed. Between March and July 2020, we evaluated 1227 survivors of COVID-19, 3 months posthospitalization, of whom 213 had received corticosteroids within 7 days of admission. Main outcome was any midterm sequelae (oxygen therapy, shortness of breath, one major clinical sign, two minor clinical signs or three minor symptoms). Association between corticosteroids use and midterm sequelae was assessed using inverse propensity-scoreweighting models. Our sample included 753 (61%) male patients, and 512 (42%) were older than 65 years. We found a higher rate of sequelae among users than nonusers of corticosteroids (42% vs. 35%, odds ratio[OR] 1.40 [1.16-1.69]). Midterm sequelae were more frequent in users of low-dose corticosteroids than nonusers (64% vs. 51%, OR 1.60 [1.10-2.32]), whereas no association between higher doses (≥20 mg/day equivalent of dexamethasone) and sequelae was evidenced (OR 0.95 [0.56-1.61]). Higher risk of sequelae with corticosteroids use was observed among subjects with propensity score below the 90th percentile. Our study suggest that corticosteroids use during hospitalization for COVID-19 is associated with higher risk of midterm sequelae.

Impact of corticosteroids on the duration of ventilatory support during severe acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in patients in the intensive care unit: a study protocol for a multicentre, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial

BackgroundPatients who are admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for severe acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have poor outcomes. Although international clinical practice guidelines cautiously recommend the routine use of systemic corticosteroids for COPD exacerbations, data are scarce and inconclusive regarding their benefit for most severe patients who require mechanical ventilation in the ICU. Furthermore, corticosteroids may be associated with an increased risk of infection, ICU-acquired limb weakness, and metabolic disorders.Methods and analysisThis study is an investigator-initiated, multicentre, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial comparing systemic corticosteroids to placebo during severe acute exacerbations of COPD in patients who require mechanical ventilation in French ICUs. A total of 440 patients will be randomized 1:1 to methylprednisolone (1 mg/kg) or placebo for 5 days, and stratified according to initial mechanical ventilation (non-invasive or invasive), pneumonia as triggering factor, and recent use of systemic corticosteroids (< 48 h). The primary outcome is the number of ventilator-free days at day 28, defined as the number of days alive and without mechanical invasive and/or non-invasive ventilation between randomization and day 28. Secondary outcomes include non-invasive ventilation (NIV) failure rate, duration of mechanical ventilation (invasive and/or NIV), circulatory support (vasopressor), outcomes related to corticosteroid adverse events (severe hyperglycaemia, gastrointestinal bleeding, uncontrolled arterial hypertension, ICU-acquired weakness, ICU-acquired infections, and delirium), lengths of ICU and hospital stay, ICU and hospital mortality, day 28 and day 90 mortality, number of new exacerbation(s)/hospitalization(s) between hospital discharge and day 90, and dyspnoea and comfort at randomization, ICU discharge, and day 90. Subgroup analyses for the primary outcome are planned according to stratification criteria at randomization.

The Duration of Mechanical Ventilation is the Main Cause of Bacterial/Fungal Superinfection in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19 at Altitude

Background. COVID-19 patients in intensive care units suffer from bacterial/fungal superinfections. However, the incidence and cause of such superinfections in high-altitude hospitals remain poorly investigated. Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of bacterial/fungal superinfection in patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Hospital Universitario San José de Bogotá, Colombia, located at an altitude of 2,651 meters above sea level (high altitude). The impact of corticosteroids on the development of infection was also evaluated. Methods. The cohort included 279 patients, of which 188 (67.4%) were male, 116 (42.3%) were treated with dexamethasone, and 48 (17.2%) were diagnosed with superinfection. A retrospective descriptive cohort study was performed to evaluate the association between bacterial/fungal superinfection frequency, corticosteroid treatment, mechanical ventilation, and mortality rate. Results. Our results showed that bacteremia was the most frequent diagnosis (n=20; 41.6%) of patients with superinfection, followed by pulmonary superinfection (n=17; 35.4%). The most frequently identified causative agents of superinfection were K. pneumoniae (n=23; 26.1%), C. albicans (n=10; 11.4%) and P. aeruginosa (n=8; 9.1%). Moreover, our results showed no association between corticosteroid treatment (or the use of empiric antibiotic treatment) and mortality. However, we found a significant association between bacterial/fungal superinfection and the number of days on mechanical ventilation. However, bacterial/fungal superinfection showed no impact on the mortality rate. Conclusions. We conclude that bacterial/fungal superinfection in ICU highland patients with SARS-CoV-2 treated at Hospital Universitario San José in Bogotá, Colombia, increases mainly in proportion to the time required for mechanical ventilation.

Impact of corticosteroids on the procoagulant profile of critically ill COVID-19 patients: a before-after study.

Several studies have reported an increased risk of thrombotic events in COVID-19 patients, but the pathophysiology of this procoagulant phenotype remains poorly understood. We hypothesized that corticosteroids may attenuate this procoagulant state through their anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of dexamethasone (DXM) on the coagulation profile of severely ill COVID-19 patients. We conducted a retrospective, observational before/after bi-centric cohort study among ICU patients hospitalized for severe COVID-19 and receiving therapeutic anticoagulation by unfractionated heparin (UFH). Before and after the standardized use of DXM, we compared inflammatory and coagulation profiles, as well as the kinetics of heparin requirement, adjusted for weight and anti-Xa activity. Eighty-six patients were included, 35 in the no-DXM group, and 51 in the DXM group. At admission, CRP and fibrinogen levels were not different between groups, neither were UFH infusion rates. At day 3 after ICU admission, CRP (178±94 mg/L vs. 99±68 mg/L, P<0.001) and fibrinogen (7.2±1.4 g/L vs. 6.1±1.4 g/L, P=0.001) significantly decreased in the DXM group, but not in the no-DXM group. Over time, UFH infusion rates were lower in the DXM group (P<0.001) without any significant difference in plasma anti-Xa activity. CRP variations correlated with heparin dose variations between Day 0 and Day 3 (r=0.39, P=0.009). Finally, the incidence of venous thromboembolic events during in-ICU stay was significantly reduced in the DXM group (4 vs. 43%, P<0.0001). In critically ill COVID-19 patients, dexamethasone use was associated with a decrease in both pro-inflammatory and procoagulant profile.

Impact of Corticosteroids on the Proportions of Circulating Tfh Cell Subsets in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematous.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to analyze the distribution of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells in lupus patients, and the effects of steroids on circulating Tfh cells.MethodsCirculating Tfh cell subsets were defined by multicolor flow cytometry as Tfh17, Tfh2 or Tfh1 subpopulations of CXCR5+CD45RA–CD4+ T cells in the peripheral blood of SLE patients and healthy controls. To test the effects of corticosteroid on Tfh cells, PBMC harvested from both SLE and healthy controls were cocultured with dexamethasone, and then analyzed by Flow cytometry.ResultsThe proportion of Tfh17 cells in SLE patients was increased significantly compared with healthy controls. Additionally, patients with an active disease had reduced Tfh1 subsets than those with an inactive disease and healthy controls. The frequency of Tfh2 cells was associated with the proportion of circulating plasmablasts and the amount of anti-dsDNA. Dexamethasone reduced the percentage of Tfh2 cells while increased the proportion of Tfh17 subset in gated CXCR5+CD45RA–CD4+ T cells.ConclusionOur study investigated the distribution of circulating Tfh subsets in lupus patients. Corticosteroids treatment not only down-regulated the proportion of circulating Tfh cells, but also altered the distribution of Tfh subsets in vivo and in vitro.

Sepsis and Septic Shock: Evolving Evidence, Evolving Paradigms.

Sepsis and septic shock represent important infection-related medical emergencies that result in significant morbidity and mortality. The prevalence and microbiology of these processes are evolving. Nonetheless, timely and appropriate antibiotic therapy continues to represent the most important determinant of survival. Recent trials have clarified that crystalloids are preferred for initial resuscitation, and balanced crystalloids appear superior to 0.9% saline. Controversy remains regarding not only the rate and rapidity of fluid resuscitation but also about the timing and use of vasopressors to maintain blood pressure. While some newer alternative vasopressors may have a role in sepsis, more evidence supporting their use is required. Conflicting data exist regarding the impact of corticosteroids on mortality in septic shock. However, these reports indicate that adjunctive hydrocortisone can lead to more rapid shock reversal.

539. Impact of Corticosteroids when Combined with Tocilizumab or Remdesivir for the Treatment of Severe SARS-CoV-2

BackgroundTocilizumab (TCZ) and remdesivir (RDV) have both shown benefit for patients with SARS-CoV-2. However, there have been no head to head studies comparing the efficacy of the two therapies. The purpose of this study is to compare clinical outcomes of patients who have received corticosteroids (CS) along with TCZ or RDV.MethodsThis is an IRB approved retrospective observational study completed in a three hospital health system in New Jersey. Patients were included if age was ≥ 18, admitted with SARS-CoV2 infection requiring oxygen. Patients were stratified into two treatment arms; CS + TCZ and CS + RDV. The primary objective was to compare all-cause inpatient mortality (ACIM) based on oxygenation status; nasal cannula (NC), high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), and invasive mechanical intubation (IMV). Secondary objectives was a snapshot analysis with a focus on clinical improvement (CI) defined as improvement in clinical ordinal scale by 2 or more at end of stay. Additional endpoint included progression to IMV after therapy initiation.ResultsThere were total of 1053 patients included (123 in the CS+TCZ arm, 930 in the CS+RDV arm). Oxygen requirements were as follows: In the CS+TCZ arm (NC n=57, HFNC n=26, IMV n=40), and the RD+CS arm (NC n=669, HFN n=159, and IMV n=102). Results from the primary endpoints can be found in Table 1. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two treatment arms. For the secondary objective there were 214 patients included (70 in the CS+TCZ arm and 105 in the CS+RDV arm). For patients receiving NC, no difference seen in CI between two treatment arms (81.4% CS+RDV vs. 81.5% CS+TCZ). In HFNC group more patients in the CS+TCZ group observed CI compared to CS+RDV (68.8% vs. 40%). Less patients requiring HFNC progressed to IMV in CS+TCZ group (25%) compared to CS+RDV (40%). ConclusionNo statistical difference in ACIM was detected between the two treatment arms regardless of baseline oxygenation requirements. There was a trend towards lower ACIM for IMV patients in the CS+TCZ arm compared to the CS+RDV arm. More patients experienced CI in CS+TCZ group compared to CS+RDV in HFNC group. Less HFNC patients also required new IMV in the CS+TCZ arm. Larger studies need to be performed to evaluate a true statistical difference between the two treatment arms. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Impact of Corticosteroids on Efficacy of BCMA Targeted CAR-T Therapy in Multiple Myeloma

Impact of Corticosteroids on Efficacy of BCMA Targeted CAR-T Therapy in Multiple Myeloma

The Impact of Corticosteroids on Secondary Infection and Mortality in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients.

Background:Corticosteroids are part of the treatment guidelines for COVID-19 and have been shown to improve mortality. However, the impact corticosteroids have on the development of secondary infection in COVID-19 is unknown. We sought to define the rate of secondary infection in critically ill patients with COVID-19 and determine the effect of corticosteroid use on mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19.Study Design and Methods:One hundred and thirty-five critically ill patients with COVID-19 admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the University of Maryland Medical Center were included in this single-center retrospective analysis. Demographics, symptoms, culture data, use of COVID-19 directed therapies, and outcomes were abstracted from the medical record. The primary outcomes were secondary infection and mortality. Proportional hazards models were used to determine the time to secondary infection and the time to death.Results:The proportion of patients with secondary infection was 63%. The likelihood of developing secondary infection was not significantly impacted by the administration of corticosteroids (HR 1.45, CI 0.75-2.82, P = 0.28). This remained consistent in sub-analysis looking at bloodstream, respiratory, and urine infections. Secondary infection had no significant impact on the likelihood of 28-day mortality (HR 0.66, CI 0.33-1.35, P = 0.256). Corticosteroid administration significantly reduced the likelihood of 28-day mortality (HR 0.27, CI 0.10-0.72, P = 0.01).Conclusion:Corticosteroids are an important and lifesaving pharmacotherapeutic option in critically ill patients with COVID-19, which have no impact on the likelihood of developing secondary infections.

Impact of Corticosteroids and Anticoagulant Combined Treatment on Patients Affected by COVID-19 Pneumonia

Mortality and ICU admission rates were 20.6% and 15.1%, respectively. The per-group analysis showed an increased prognosis for G3 (HR 0.59, 95%CI 0.36-0.95, p = 0.03) and G4 (HR 0.47, 95%CI 0.27-0.82, p = 0.007) vs. non-treated group (G1). Combined therapy was especially successful in those patients with the worst respiratory function (SpO₂/FiO₂ ratio ≤ 220) (HR 0.43, 95%CI 0.24-0.77, p = 0.004).

Impact of corticosteroids in hospitalised COVID-19 patients

BackgroundCorticosteroids are a potential therapeutic agent for patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. The RECOVERY (Randomised Trials in COVID-19 Therapy) trial provided data on the mortality benefits of corticosteroids. The study aimed...

Impact of SSKI vs. Corticosteroids on Total Thyroidectomy for Graves Disease: A Retrospective Review

Background: Graves disease is an autoimmune disorder resulting in overproduction of thyroid hormone. While medical management can be used to reestablish euthyroid state, definitive management includes radioactive iodine or total thyroidectomy. For patients undergoing thyroidectomy, SSKI is frequently prescribed preoperatively to decrease thyroid vascularity and intraoperative blood loss. However, corticosteroids is often given when rapid preparation is necessary prior to surgery. This study explores the impact of SSKI compared to corticosteroids and hypothesizes that replacement of SSKI with corticosteroid will improve surgical outcomes. &#x0D; Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 26 Graves patients undergoing total thyroidectomy from 2015-2020. 18 patients received SSKI prior to surgery, 2 received a corticosteroid in addition to SSKI, 1 received a corticosteroid alone, and 5 received neither. Symptomatology, length of stay, intraoperative blood loss, transient hypoparathyroidism, and thyroid weight were compared. &#x0D; Results: Patients receiving corticosteroids experienced shorter stays (1.0 day vs 1.3 days), greater postoperative parathyroid hormone levels (43.0 pg/mL vs 28.9 pg/mL), less intraoperative blood loss (14.4 mL vs 41.4 mL), and presented with smaller thyroid glands (30 g vs 47 g) compared to those who received SSKI. There was a statistically significant difference in estimated blood loss between the groups (p = 0.0348). For some patients, the addition of a steroid to SSKI decreased surgery time (1.98 hours vs 2.32 hours). &#x0D; Conclusion: Despite limitations in sample size and the retrospective nature of this study, results suggest a positive impact of corticosteroid use on surgical and patient outcomes compared to SSKI alone. Future examination may benefit from greater sample size and equal distribution of patients among groups. We propose further exploration with a prospective study to evaluate the impact of SSKI vs. corticosteroids on surgical difficulty and postoperative complications for Graves disease patients.

Impact of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapies on symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in a large cohort of patients with chronic inflammatory arthritis

BackgroundPrevalence and outcomes of coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 in relation to immunomodulatory medications are still unknown. The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive agents on COVID-19 in a large cohort of patients with chronic immune-mediated inflammatory arthritis.MethodsThe study was conducted in the arthritis outpatient clinic at two large academic hospitals in the COVID-19 most endemic area of Northern Italy (Lombardy). We circulated a cross-sectional survey exploring the prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 nasopharyngeal swab positivity and the occurrence of acute respiratory illness (fever and/or cough and/or dyspnea), administered face-to-face or by phone to consecutive patients from 25 February to 20 April 2020. COVID-19 cases were defined as confirmed or highly suspicious according to the World Health Organization criteria. The impact of medications on COVID-19 development was evaluated.ResultsThe study population included 2050 adults with chronic inflammatory arthritis receiving glucocorticoids, conventional-synthetic (cs), or targeted-synthetic/biological (ts/b) disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs). Laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 and highly suspicious infection were recorded in 1.1% and 1.4% of the population, respectively. Treatment with glucocorticoids was independently associated with increased risk of COVID-19 (adjusted OR [95% CI] ranging from 1.23 [1.04–1.44] to 3.20 [1.97–5.18] depending on the definition used). Conversely, patients treated with ts/bDMARDs were at reduced risk (adjusted OR ranging from 0.46 [0.18–1.21] to 0.47 [0.46–0.48]). No independent effects of csDMARDs, age, sex, and comorbidities were observed.ConclusionsDuring the COVID-19 outbreak, treatment with immunomodulatory medications appears safe. Conversely, glucocorticoids, even at low-dose, may confer increased risk of infection.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered. Not applicable.