Pathogenetic therapy of COVID-19: focus on glucocorticoids

Abstract

The problem of preventing excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the case of COVID-19 remains unresolved. The use of steroids in the treatment of coronavirus pneumonia remains controversial. To date, there is insufficient literature data for the routine use of steroids in COVID-19 intensive care programs, and this issue remains the subject of continuous research and endless debate. The review of the scientific literature focuses on one of the areas of pathogenetic therapy for COVID-19 — the prevention and elimination of hyperproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines using glucocorticoid drugs. The review presents modern international recommendations on the use of glucocorticoid drugs in severe COVID-19, examines the pathogenetic mechanisms of their action and side effects.

Keywords

• covid-19
• systemic inflammatory response
• pro-inflammatory cytokines
• hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal system
• glucocorticoids
• review