Impact of corticosteroid therapy on outcomes of persons with SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, or MERS-CoV infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Review (11 studies; n = 5429) reported that corticosteroid use was associated with delayed virus clearing vs controls (mean difference 3.78 days; 95% CI= 1.16 to 6.41 days) with no reduction in death, prolonged hospitalisation and increased use of mechanical ventilation.

SPS commentary:

Overall, ten of the studies were observational studies, therefore these findings require further confirmation with randomised controlled data. The authors note that until such data are available, corticosteroids should be used with caution in patients with COVID-19

Leukemia