Therapeutic response to corticosteroids in a critically ill patient with COVID-19: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in Wuhan in late 2019, controversy on the use of corticosteroids for COVID-19 has obtained increasing attention. We present 1 critically ill patient who had a rapid therapeutic response to moderate-dose corticosteroids. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 53-year-old critically ill woman from Wuhan suffered with COVID-19. DIAGNOSIS: The chest computed tomography scan was suggestive of COVID-19. The diagnosis was confirmed by a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test for SARS-CoV-2. The critically ill status was characterized by worsening dyspnea, progressing bilateral lung consolidation, and poor oxygenation (SiO(2)/FiO(2):110 mm Hg). INTERVENTIONS: The patient was treated with a moderate dose of intravenous corticosteroids and high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy. OUTCOMES: After the initiation of corticosteroids, the patient rapidly improved over the following 6 days. Serial chest computed tomography scans showed good absorption of the consolidations. The patient was discharged on Day 17 of hospitalization without obvious adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: Early use of moderate-dose corticosteroids over a short period may enhance recovery from COVID-19 in critically ill patients.