Treatment Response to Methylprednisolone in Moderate to Severe COVID Patients: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of our research was to assess the response towards moderate to severe covid patients with methylprednisolone treatment.

Methodology: 480 patients from 5 different hospitals in Visakhapatnam were hospitalized subjects, over 18 years of age with a laboratory confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection were included in this retrospective study on inclusion criteria for the severity of Covid pneumonia. 480 patients each were allocated to two groups- control and the one receiving methylprednisolone (MP) treatment apart from standard treatment for Covid.

Results: The use of MP was associated with a significantly lower risk of the primary outcome with a 20% absolute risk reduction and RR 0.42 (95% CI 0.20–0.89; p= 0.043). The length of stay in the hospital was similar for both groups (SOC 20± 14 days, MP 23± 13 days).

Conclusion: Methylprednisolone had a beneficial effect in reducing the mortality. However, prolonged usage is not recommended due to deleterious side effects and post covid complications.