Dexamethasone for treating SARS-CoV-2 infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis
São Paulo med. j
;
139(6): 657-661, Nov.-Dec. 2021. graf
Article
in English
| LILACS
| ID: biblio-1352289
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND:
Considering the disruptions imposed by lockdowns and social distancing recommendations, coupled with overwhelmed healthcare systems, researchers worldwide have been exploring drug repositioning strategies for treating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).OBJECTIVE:
To compile results from randomized clinical trials on the effect of dexamethasone, compared with standard treatment for management of SARS-CoV-2. DESIGN ANDSETTING:
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines in a Brazilian public university.METHODS:
We sought to compile data from 6724 hospitalized patients with confirmed or suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection.RESULTS:
Treatment with dexamethasone significantly reduced mortality within 28 days (risk ratio, RR 0.89; 95% confidence interval, CI 0.82-0.97). Dexamethasone use was linked with being discharged alive within 28 days (odds ratio, OR 1.20; 95% CI 1.07-1.33).CONCLUSIONS:
This study suggests that dexamethasone may significantly improve the outcome among hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated severe respiratory complications. Further studies need to consider both dose-dependent administration and outcomes in early and later stages of the disease. PROSPERO platform CRD42021229825.
Full text:
Available
Index:
LILACS (Americas)
Main subject:
SARS-CoV-2
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Controlled clinical trial
/
Practice guideline
/
Systematic reviews
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
São Paulo med. j
Journal subject:
Cirurgia Geral
/
Cincia
/
Ginecologia
/
Medicine
/
Medicina Interna
/
Obstetr¡cia
/
Pediatria
/
Sa£de Mental
/
Sa£de P£blica
Year:
2021
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Brazil
Institution/Affiliation country:
Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná/BR
/
Universidade Paranaense/BR
/
Universidade de São Paulo/BR
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