The prognosis and short-term efficacy of corticosteroid therapy for COVID-19 patients

Dear Editor:Corticosteroids are widely used in the treatment of critically ill patients for active anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects.However,the therapeutic effects of corticosteroid treatment are still disputable.Some studies have shown that corticosteroids can delay coronavirus RNA clearance[1],increase mortality[2]and cause adverse events[3].Conversely,other studies have confirmed the clinical value of corticosteroids in shortening hospital stays and decreasing the need for mechanical ventilation[4].