Impact of Corticosteroid Therapy on ICU Patient Outcomes in Severe COVID-19 Cases : A Retrospective Cohort Study in Saudi Arabia

Copyright © 2024, Alkhunaizi et al..

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges in clinical management, and intensive care units (ICUs) worldwide have become epicenters of high-stakes treatment decisions. Among these, corticosteroid therapy has risen as a pivotal, yet controversial, treatment modality. In Saudi Arabia, where unique demographic and health system characteristics intersect, understanding the specific effects of corticosteroids on ICU patient outcomes is not just critical but a pressing necessity in tailoring effective COVID-19 management strategies.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to elucidate the effects of corticosteroid therapy on the outcomes of severe COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabian ICUs, providing critical insights into treatment efficacy and guiding future clinical practices.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cohort study, we meticulously reviewed the medical records of 1085 severe COVID-19 patients admitted to Saudi Arabian ICUs. Our analysis focused on demographic details, ICU outcomes, and the extent and implications of corticosteroid therapy. The study employed comprehensive methods for data collection, evaluation criteria, and statistical analysis, ensuring a thorough understanding of the impact of corticosteroids in this context.

RESULTS: The study encompassed 1085 patients, predominantly male (74.5%, N=806), with an average age of 56 and a mean BMI of 30.07. A significant portion (72.3%, N=784) received corticosteroid therapy. These patients generally experienced longer ICU (mean 23 days) and hospital stays (mean 16 days), along with higher rates of microbiological cure (72.3%, N=648) and increased ICU discharge likelihood. Conversely, corticosteroid recipients showed higher mortality rates at ICU discharge. The statistical analysis confirmed the significance of these findings, reinforcing their importance in managing COVID-19 in ICUs.

CONCLUSION: The research highlights the intricate dynamics of corticosteroid use in treating severe COVID-19 cases in ICUs. While associated with prolonged ICU stays and increased mortality, corticosteroids also correlate with higher microbiological cure rates and discharge likelihood. These insights call for careful deliberation in applying corticosteroid therapy, with implications for enhancing clinical protocols and guiding future research in severe COVID-19 treatment.

Medienart:

E-Artikel

Erscheinungsjahr:

2024

Erschienen:

2024

Enthalten in:

Zur Gesamtaufnahme - volume:16

Enthalten in:

Cureus - 16(2024), 2 vom: 14. Feb., Seite e53412

Sprache:

Englisch

Beteiligte Personen:

Alkhunaizi, Lama [VerfasserIn]
Almutairi, Jawza A [VerfasserIn]
Almanea, Sarah H [VerfasserIn]
Alzahuf, Shuruq M [VerfasserIn]
Fehaid, Mohammed [VerfasserIn]
Alharthi, Abdulaziz [VerfasserIn]
Alhebs, Tameem [VerfasserIn]
Alshuqayfi, Sarah M [VerfasserIn]
Alotaibi, Rana [VerfasserIn]
Alharbi, Meshari [VerfasserIn]
Abdalwahab, Zahra E [VerfasserIn]
Aloqaybi, Abeer [VerfasserIn]
Talebi, Sarah H [VerfasserIn]
Kharaba, Ayman M [VerfasserIn]

Links:

Volltext

Themen:

Clinical practice implications
Future research directions
Icu patient outcomes
Journal Article
Medical research methods
Pandemic response strategies
Public health insights
Retrospective cohort study
Saudi arabia healthcare
Severe covid-19 treatment
Steroid therapy impact

Anmerkungen:

Date Revised 05.03.2024

published: Electronic-eCollection

Citation Status PubMed-not-MEDLINE

doi:

10.7759/cureus.53412

funding:

Förderinstitution / Projekttitel:

PPN (Katalog-ID):

NLM369250265