The Prognostic Role of Corticosteroid Administration in Hospitalized Patients with Severe COVID-19: A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic is a recent global issue with no established consensus on treatments. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of corticosteroid (CS) pulses on the prognosis of COVID-19 patients admitted to hospitals. METHODS: In this retrospective single-center cross-sectional study, we used hospital records of all consecutive patients aged 18 years or older admitted to the hospital from July 23rd to September 23rd, 2021. All patients included in the study had confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and required hospitalization. Demographic and clinical information, as well as patient outcomes, were collected. Treatment details, including the type(s), cumulative doses, and duration of administered corticosteroids, were also recorded. CS pulse therapy was defined as the daily administration of 24 mg or more of dexamethasone or its equivalents. RESULTS: A total of 500 patients with COVID-19 were included in this study, comprising 122 patients who received CS pulse therapy and 378 patients who did not. A higher mortality rate was observed in patients receiving CS pulse therapy (42.6%) compared to the other group (28%) (p =0.04). Additionally, logistic regression analysis showed an increased mortality risk in patients receiving CS pulse therapy in the crude model (OR=1.54, 95% CI: 1.01-2.27, p <0.01). However, after adjusting for confounding factors, such as mechanical ventilation and ICU admission, the results were reversed (OR=0.21, 95% CI: 0.07-0.62, p <0.01). ; Conclusion: In the findings of the current study, treatment with CS pulses was shown to significantly enhance recovery in patients with non-severe COVID-19.

Effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Rosa damascena on cardiovascular responses in normotensive rat.

OBJECTIVE: Rosa damascena mill L. (R. damascena) is a well-known plant with fragrant effects. Several therapeutic effects of this plant on respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems have been reported. It is also suggested to have beneficial effect on cardiovascular system especially blood pressure regulation. The present study was carried out to evaluate acute cardiovascular effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of R. damascena. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n= 8 for each group). After anesthesia, a catheter was inserted into the femoral artery and blood pressure and heart rate (HR) were continuously recorded by a power lab system. Animals received three doses of hydro-alcoholic extract (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) via peritoneal (i.p). After 30 min, systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and HR were recorded and maximal changes were compared to control group. RESULTS: Injection of all doses of the extract did not significantly change HR compare to control group. The SBP, dose dependently, was decreased by all doses of the extract and the maximal response was significant compared to saline group (p<0.01 to p<0.001). Different doses of the extract also dose-dependently decreased maximal changes of MAP responses compared to control group. The effect of higher doses of the extract on SBP and MAP was significant compared to lower doses (p<0.05 to p<0.01). CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence of a hypotensive effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of R. damascena with no significant effect on HR. Therefore, R. damascena is suggested to have beneficial effect to control blood pressure. However, it needs to be more investigated.