WHO clears use of dexamethasone in COVID-19 patients

In a major breakthrough in COVID-19 treatment, scientists in the United Kingdom have claimed that the generic steroid drug dexamethasone can improve the survival rate of COVID-19 patients.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) also approved the initial clinical trial results from the scientists that show dexamethasone can be life saving for critically ill COVID-19 patients. The benefit was only seen in critically ill COVID-19 patients, and was not observed in patients with milder symptoms.

“This is the first treatment to be shown to reduce mortality in patients with Covid-19 requiring oxygen or ventilator support,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director General.

Dexamethasone is a steroid that has been widely used in other diseases to reduce inflammation. The drug was given either orally or through an IV. However medical experts warn that the steroid cannot be used as preventive medicine. A full analysis about the potential of the drug will be researched in coming days.