A new analysis of several studies in which steroid drugs were used to treat critically ill COVID-19 patients helped reduce patient mortality, due to preliminary evidence for the benefits of these drugs.
In multiple studies involving a total of 1,700 patients, many corticosteroids – anti-inflammatory drugs that can dampen the effects of hypersensitive immune systems – helped reduce death from covid-1 by about a third, compared to patients who did not. Steroids, according to an analysis published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
The study, called meta-analysis, was performed by scientists and physicians called by the World Health Organization. The authors analyzed the results of seven studies between February and June, evaluating the use of commonly used drugs, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, and methylprednisolone. The study found relatively consistent benefits for using the drug in critically ill patients: 8,678 of critically ill patients who received steroids died out .77..7%, compared to the usual 1. %% patients receiving general care or placebo.
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The scientists and physicians involved in the meta-analysis said the results raised hopes that cheaper, more widely available drugs could be the standard treatment for severe cases of COVID-19. Derek C., distinguished professor of critical care medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. “I think Covid-1 wins one of the first undisputed victories in the fight against combat,” Angus said in an interview.
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He added that the results are particularly encouraging due to the consistency of benefits for patients seen in different types of steroids and should lead to wider acceptance of steroids as a line of treatment for Covid-19.
Dr. Angus warns that steroids are only beneficial in most patients who are hospitalized. So far, no drugs have been shown to be effective in treating the first stages of the disease.
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