TY - JOUR T1 - Caution with the use of dexamethasone in patients with COVID-19 in its initial phases JO - Revista Clínica Española (English Edition) T2 - AU - Callejas Rubio,J.L. AU - Aomar Millan,I. AU - Moreno-Higueras,M. AU - Martín Ripoll,L. AU - Yuste Osorio,E. AU - Ríos-Fernández,R. SN - 22548874 M3 - 10.1016/j.rceng.2021.02.005 DO - 10.1016/j.rceng.2021.02.005 UR - https://revclinesp.es/en-caution-with-use-dexamethasone-in-articulo-S2254887421001569 AB - IntroductionThe effect of dexamethasone in the initial phase of infection by SARS-CoV-2 and its influence on COVID-19 is not well defined. We describe clinical-radiological characteristics, the cytokine storm parameters, and the clinical evolution of a series of patients treated with dexamethasone in the disease's initial phase. MethodA study of 8 patients who received dexamethasone before the development of COVID-19. We evaluate clinical variables, imaging tests, cytokine release parameters, treatment used and patient evolution. ResultsAll patients received a 6 mg/day dose with a mean duration of 4.5 days before admission. High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) revealed that most of them presented a severe extension; most patients had a slightly elevated level of cytokine release parameters. Three patients required high-flow oxygen therapy due to respiratory failure; none required orotracheal intubation or died. ConclusionDexamethasone in the early stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection appears to be associated with severe COVID-19. ER -