Safety and clinical efficacy of dexamethasone for COVID-19 hospitalised patients

Dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid, is currently one of the leading corticosteroids in the respiratory treatment of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Several studies and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have confirmed its clinical benefits; however, its dosing regimens, adverse effects, and use in pregnant and paediatric patients remains under-researched. An assessment of confounding variables, such as age and comorbidities, is also urgently needed to more accurately reflect the SARS-CoV-2 patient population and to help guide current recommendations for treatment with dexamethasone. Additional research on the combined use of dexamethasone and monoclonal antibodies such as tocilizumab and baricitinib has the potential to further improve patient outcomes. This paper reviews emerging data on dexamethasone’s clinical efficacy, highlights challenges to be addressed, and identifies potential drugs to be used in combination with dexamethasone to achieve improved patient prognosis