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COVID-19

Corticosteroid Use in Severe COVID-19 Reduces Secondary Infections and Mortality

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

According to a recent study published in the Bagcilar Medical Bulletin, investigators analyzed the outcomes of corticosteroid use in COVID-19 patients treated in the intensive care unit (ICU). The study, conducted at the University of Health Sciences Turkey, aimed to assess the effects of corticosteroids on secondary infections and mortality in severe COVID-19 cases. The findings suggest that while corticosteroid use may not increase the risk of secondary infections or mortality, it should be used with caution and careful consideration of the patient's clinical condition.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed data from 208 patients with COVID-19, of whom 114 received corticosteroids (51.9%) and 94 did not (48.1%).
  • The 28-day mortality rate was 52.9% (n=110), with corticosteroid users having longer ICU stays (p=0.001) and longer intubation periods (p=0.024).
  • Secondary infection occurred in 52.9% (n=110) of COVID-19 ICU patients, with no significant difference between corticosteroid users and non-users.
  • The study concludes that corticosteroid use in severe COVID-19 cases does not appear to increase the risk of secondary infections or mortality, but further research is needed to confirm these findings.
  • Additional authors for the study include Ebru Kaya, Ayca Sultan Sahin, and Pelin Kilic Erol, University of Health Sciences Turkey Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Istanbul, Turkey.
  • The study highlights the importance of careful consideration of the patient's clinical condition when deciding to use corticosteroids in severe COVID-19 cases.

Statistics:

  • Mortality rate among COVID-19 patients treated in ICU: 61.5% (n=128)
  • Secondary infection rate among COVID-19 ICU patients: 52.9% (n=110)
  • Corticosteroid users had longer ICU stays (14.3±5.6 days vs. 10.2±4.3 days, p=0.001)
  • Corticosteroid users had longer intubation periods (11.5±4.2 days vs. 7.9±3.5 days, p=0.024)

Sources:

  • Bagcilar Medical Bulletin, 2025,10(2):182-192 (DOI: 10.4274/BMB.galenos.2025.43534)
  • Pelin Kilic Erol, Ebru Kaya, Ayca Sultan Sahin. Corticosteroid Use in Severe COVID-19 and Factors Associated with Secondary Infection and Mortality Among Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Bagcilar Medical Bulletin, 2025,10(2):182-192.

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