Dexamethasone . Scientists say the drug is capable of saving the lives of critically ill patients with coronary heart disease. Dexamethasone has been shown to be extremely effective in saving the lives of patients with coronary heart disease who need ventilation and oxygen. It is a type of steroid. However, there is no need to use this drug for patients with mild symptoms.
The study was conducted by a team of researchers from Oxford University, according to the BBC. Dexamethasone was applied experimentally to about 2,000 corona patients admitted to the hospital. Analyzing the results, it was found that the risk of death in patients with ventilation was reduced from 40 percent to 28 percent. And for patients who need oxygen, the risk of death is reduced from 25 percent to 20 percent.
The researchers said that in the case of experimental application, the results of patients taking the drug matched the results of 4,000 patients who did not take the drug. The drug is already being applied to coronavirus patients. It has been found that dexamethasone plays an effective role in preventing the damage that may occur when the patient’s immune system begins to overreact. When the human body begins to show this extra response, it is called cytokine storm. It can cause death of the patient. Studies have shown that that drug is very effective in this regard.
Dexamethasone for High risk paitent only
Experts say 19 out of every 20 corona patients do not need to be hospitalized. Again, most of those who were admitted to the hospital recovered. However, some people need oxygen and ventilation facilities. Dexamethasone has been found to be beneficial in the treatment of these high-risk patients.
Peter Harbi, lead researcher and professor at Oxford University’s research team, said: This is an important discovery. ”
According to lead researcher and professor Martin Landrey, the results of the study showed that dexamethasone can save the life of one in every 7 patients who need a ventilator. And for every 20 to 25 patients who need oxygen, one patient’s life can be saved.
Experts say, the drug is not very effective in patients with mild symptoms. This means that dexamethasone is not needed in patients with coronary heart disease.
Dexamethasone is a well-known drug and is also very cheap. The cost of daily dexamethasone treatment in the UK is around five and a half pounds, say researchers. The drug is said to be applied for up to ten days. According to UK experts, at least 5,000 deaths could have been prevented if the efficacy of the drug had been confirmed at the onset of the Corona epidemic.