Global Health & Medicine 2020;2(3):193-196.

Corticosteroid therapy for severe COVID-19 pneumonia: optimal dose and duration of administration

Matsuda W, Okamoto T, Uemura T, Kobayashi K, Sasaki R, Kimura A

Abstract

Severe COVID-19 is associated with a hyperinflammatory state, and corticosteroid therapy may be effective. We review the recent literature and discuss the appropriate dose and duration of corticosteroid therapy. Low-dose corticosteroid therapy is often used to treat COVID-19. However, several doses of methylprednisolone (or prednisolone) have been attempted, ranging from about 40 mg/day to 2 mg/kg/day. Doses may need to be adjusted depending on severity. Corticosteroid therapy is generally administered for a short period over several days. However, COVID-19-induced respiratory failure is often prolonged, so longer administration may be considered. Careful monitoring for complications due to corticosteroid therapy is vital.

KEYWORDS: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, corticosteroid therapy, acute respiratory distress syndrome, viral RNA clearance, complications

DOI: 10.35772/ghm.2020.01046

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