Using corticosteroids to treat severely ill Covid-19 patients can reduce the risk of death by 20%, a new study by an international team of researchers has claimed.
The analysis, by scientists from Canada, China, USA, the Uk and Brazil among others, included pooled data from different trials of low doses of steroids such as dexamethasone, hydrocortisone and methylprednisolone.
They concluded that 68% patients survived after being treated with corticosteroids compared to 60% surviving in the absence of these steroids. This meant 87 fewer deaths per 1000 patients.
The findings of the study prompted the World Health Organisation to update its advice on treatment for Covid-19. They updated their website on Wednesday to say that corticosteroids must be used only in treatment of the most life threatening Covid-19 cases and not for mild ones.