OUTCOME OF COVID-19 PATIENTS ON STEROID THERAPY: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY
Authors: Kataria Anant , Panda Prasan , Bahurupi Yogesh , Chikara Gaurav 
Published: August 2023

Introduction

SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for global pandemic that originates from Wuhan, China (1). Patients’ presentation van be varied from asymptomatic to severe ARDS and multiorgan dysfunction likely due the dysregulated systemic inflammation (2). Glucocorticoids inhibits the inflammation by down streaming of cytokine receptor and promote resolution (3). The role of corticosteroid in COVID-19 still remains controversial. Corticosteroids associated with many long terms side effects. Previous MARS outbreak had experienced avascular necrosis with corticosteroid use (4).

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome of covid-19 patients on the corticosteroid therapy and estimate mortality rate with corticosteroid therapy and investigate potential long-term adverse events associated with its use.

Methods

We did a longitudinal follow up study at the AIIMS Rishikesh to assess the side effects of corticosteroids in COVID-19 patients. Patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia requiring the oxygen support were included in the study. According to the institutional protocol patients received conventional dose steroids versus pulse dose steroids. (Based on CT/ X-ray findings). Patients were followed up in the hospital till discharge/death for assessment of adverse events due to corticosteroids and all other biochemical parameters (Inflammatory markers) and SOFA score were obtained during hospitalisation till discharge. And at the 6 month follow up patient was assessed for infection and avascular necrosis of the femur.

Results

A total of 600 patients were screened out of which 541 patients who received corticosteroids were included in this study. 71.3% were male and 26.6 % were females. Most prevalent comorbidity was systemic hypertension (38.8%) followed by diabetes mellitus (38%). Most common presenting symptoms was dyspnoea followed by fever and cough. Majority patients received dexamethasone (95%). 65.8 % patients received conventional dose while 34.2% of patients received pulse dose. Mortality was more associated with pulse dose (44%) then a conventional dose (30%) (p-value 0.0015). the median duration of the corticosteroids was 10 days with an IQR of 7-13 days. During the hospitalisation 142 patients (26.2%) develops hyperglycaemia. Hyperglycaemia was more prevalent in the pulse dose steroid group (16.8% versus 9.4%). One patient develops pancreatitis. There was a significant reduction in the levels of inflammatory markers (p<0.005) after steroid initiation. At the 6th month of follow patients were assessed for AVN and suspected infection. 25 patients (8.25%) had infection out of which 19 received pulse dose. Out of 25 patients’ cultures was available for 7 patients and 2 patients grows pathogenic organism in the urine (pseudomonas and E. coli). 02 patients develop non-specific joint pain at 6 months. No patient had AVN during the follow up.

Conclusion

Corticosteroid therapy in the COVID-19 is associated with various adverse event, commonly hyperglycaemia and the risk of the same increased with the high dose corticosteroids. corticosteroids appear to be a double-edged sword in combat against COVID-19 and need to be used aptly considering the risk-benefit ratio. The outcome of COVID-19 patients on corticosteroid therapy varies due to the use of different doses of corticosteroids. Routine follow-up of the recovered patients is needed to detect early unwanted