A study released by the University of Oxford says use of the steroid dexamethasone can reduce deaths from COVID-19 in seriously ill patients.

The trial began in March, 2020, as a randomized clinical trial.  More than 11,500 patients from over 175 National Health Service hospitals in the UK were enrolled to test a range of potential treatments for COVID-19.   By June 8, the trial Steering Committee felt enough patients were enrolled to establish whether low dose dexamethasone had a meaningful benefit.

A total of 2,104 patients received dexamethasone, and compared with 4,321 patients who received usual care.

Among the patients who received usual care alone, 28-day mortality was highest in those who required ventilation (41%), intermediate in those patients who required oxygen only (25%), and lowest among those who did not require any respiratory intervention (13%).

Dexamethasone reduced deaths by one-third in ventilated patients and by one fifth in other patients receiving oxygen only There was no benefit among those patients who did not require respiratory support.

Dexamethasone was created in 1957 and approved for medical use in 1961.  It’s been used for decades to treat arthritis; blood, hormone, and immune system disorders; allergic reactions; breathing problems; skin conditions, and more.  According to the Mayo Clinic, dexamethasone is used to decrease inflammation and is available by prescription only.