Corticosteroids in the treatment of suspected or confirmed COVID-19

Following recent publication of the REMAP-CAP trial for hydrocortisone and a meta-analysis of corticosteroids, the WHO has recently issued new interim guidance recommending the use of systemic corticosteroids in severe and critical COVID-19 disease.

SPS commentary:

The revised WHO recommendations are:

  1. Strong recommendation for systemic (intravenous or oral) corticosteroid therapy in patients with severe and critical COVID-19, and
  2. Conditional recommendation not to use corticosteroid therapy in patients with non-severe3 COVID-19.

Chief Medical Officer