[Comments on the systemic corticosteroid strategy for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)].

Abstract

Systemic corticosteroid is considered effective in treating severe or critical coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in both Chinese and international consensus and/or guidelines. Dexamethasone (6 mg daily for up to 10 days) is usually recommended. However, based on the outcomes of variable clinical trials and our clinical experience in treating the COVID-19 patients, the starting time, initial dosage and course of corticosteroid might be varied case by case. Individualized administration of corticosteroid is suggested according to the COVID-19 patient's demographic characteristics, underlying disease and immune status, severity and progression rate of COVID-19, inflammatory condition and concomitant use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.