5.3.4 Corticosteroids
As a class of drug that lowers inflammation in the body, corticosteroids
have been utilized in several serious viral respiratory infections such
as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV with limited benefits. However, in some cases,
there is proof of delayed viral clearance and increased rates of
secondary infection and mortality (Russell et al., 2020). In a study of
41 COVID-19 patients, 22% were given corticosteroids, which inhibit
inflammation in the lungs (Huang et al., 2020). However, according to
the current WHO interim guidance, glucocorticoids are not recommended
for routine treatment unless otherwise indicated, as other coronaviruses
and influenza studies have identified possible injury and increased risk
of death from glucocorticoid therapy (Zhou et al., 2020a). Despite the
potential antiviral activity toward COVID-19, corticosteroids should not
be given principally, and corticosteroid pulse therapy should be
conducted with caution. In addition, corticosteroid therapy for the SARS
therapy yielded adverse effects such as psychosis, diabetes, and
avascular necrosis (Lee et al., 2004). In general, the treatment with
corticosteroids may be harmful, but such agents can be prescribed to the
right patient at the proper time.