MERVE YAMAN, MURAT EMRE TOKUR, CANAN BALCI
Türk Yoğun Bakım Dergisi - 2025;23(2):104-117
Introduction: To retrospectively compare the clinical and laboratory results of two different dexamethasone treatment protocols used in ARDS patients followed with COVID-19 in intensive care unit. Materials and Methods: Patients who started dexamethasone treatment in Pandemic Intensive Care Units were divided into two groups. Group 1: 6 mg/day (n=41), Group 2: 0-5 days 20 mg/day and 6-10 days 10 mg/day (n=39). Clinical results and changes in laboratory values between groups from day 0 to day 10 were compared. Results: Day 0 APACHE II scores were significantly higher in patients who received 20 mg (p: 0.039). When the parameter changes on days 0 and 10 after 10 days of dexamethasone treatment in the intensive care unit were analysed, it was determined that procalcitonin and D-Dimer values showed a statistically significant increase in the 20 mg group (p: 0.038 and p: 0.025, respectively). Finally, the effect of dexamethasone treatment on mortality was analysed and no difference was found between the groups. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Mortality comparisons have been made in the literature regarding dexamethasone treatment in ARDS patients in COVID-19 intensive care units. We compared mortality and laboratory parameters. In conclusion; dexamethasone treatment improves clinical and laboratory parameters, but in terms of benefit / harm ratio and side effects; we think that 6 mg can be used safely in cases requiring oxygen therapy in viral respiratory tract infections and 20 mg in severe cases where hyperinflammation is at the forefront.
