Role of Budesonide in Corona Virus Disease: Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: The current COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, raises important questions as to whether pre-morbid use or continued administration of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) affects the outcomes of acute respiratory infections due to coronavirus.

Purpose of study:Inhaled budesonide is a low cost, safe (time censored), effective (number needed to treat of eight) simple  and widely available therapeutic option, which can be of great help around the world, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries. Several potential mechanisms might underlie these clinical observations.

Results: Inhaled budesonide in early Covid-19 infection significantly reduced the likelihood of requiring urgent care, emergency department consultation and hospitalization.

Conclusion: The budesonide group reported greater wellbeing of the patients. Also scales down the need for urgent medical care and reduces recovery time, if given early to Covid-19 patients with mild symptoms.