Prolonged higher dose methylprednisolone versus conventional dexamethasone in COVID-19 pneumonia: a randomised controlled trial (MEDEAS).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Dysregulated systemic inflammation is the primary driver of mortality in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. Current guidelines favour a 7-10-day course of any glucocorticoid equivalent to dexamethasone 6 mg daily. A comparative randomised controlled trial (RCT) with a higher dose and a longer duration of intervention was lacking.

Methods

We conducted a multicentre, open-label RCT to investigate methylprednisolone 80 mg as a continuous daily infusion for 8 days followed by slow tapering versus dexamethasone 6 mg once daily for up to 10 days in adult patients with COVID-19 pneumonia requiring oxygen or noninvasive respiratory support. The primary outcome was reduction in 28-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were mechanical ventilation-free

SUBMITTER: Salton F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9650195 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature