PREDNISONE

What is prednisone (Deltasone)?

Corticosteroids, often called steroids, are a class of medication used to decrease inflammation. Steroids, like prednisone, reduce the production of chemicals that cause inflammation [1]. They are used in a variety of disease states when inflammation is abundant. Steroids should be used for the shortest duration and lowest dose possible and should not be stopped abruptly. Doing so could lead to withdrawal symptoms or a flare-up if used for an autoimmune condition such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Can prednisone treat long-COVID?

Patients dealing with symptoms of long-COVID may see some beneficial results with the use of prednisone. In long-COVID, it is theorized that the body is under constant inflammation via a cytokine storm, an overresponse of the immune system. Although a person is not actively infected with COVID-19, the body still sheds the virus. Since COVID-19 is a foreign material, the immune response is invoked, resulting in inflammation [2]. Since prednisone decreases inflammation, it could alleviate some of the symptoms of long-COVID, such as “brain fog, chronic fatigue, and exercise intolerance.

Although there have been few studies testing prednisone’s effectiveness in treating long-COVID, the limited results show promise. In one study on 14 patients, researchers looked at the immune response before and after treatment with prednisone for four days. Results showed the immune response decreased and was maintained for at least four months following therapy [2]. A second study found that treatment with tapering steroids improved breathing, increased oxygen levels, and decreased inflammation on chest X-rays [3].

Prednisone may offer symptom improvement for patients suffering from side effects of long-COVID, however, there has been no evidence it treats the disease state itself. It may be an attractive option to patients as it is relatively affordable and for a short duration, may help with lung capacity and oxygen levels. A conversation with a healthcare provider can offer additional insight as to whether prednisone would be a potential therapy option for long-COVID.

References:

¹https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/4812-corticosteroids

²https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8614904/#:~:text=A%20short%20course%20of%20corticosteroids,be%20effective%20in%20this%20situation

³https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34730322/