On the use of corticosteroids for 2019-nCoV pneumonia

In clinical settings, physicians tend to use corticosteroids in the most critically ill patients. [...]selection bias and confounders in observational studies might contribute to any observed increased mortality in patient groups treated with corticosteroids. Inconclusive clinical evidence should not be a reason for abandoning corticosteroid use in 2019-nCoV pneumonia. [...]there are studies supporting the use of corticosteroids at low-to-moderate dose in patients with coronavirus infection. According to the expert consensus statement, the following basic principles should be followed when using corticosteroids: (1) the benefits and harms should be carefully weighed before using corticosteroids; (2) corticosteroids should be used prudently in critically ill patients with 2019-nCoV pneumonia; (3) for patients with hypoxaemia due to underlying diseases or who regularly use corticosteroids for chronic diseases, further use of corticosteroids should be cautious; and (4) the dosage should be low-to-moderate (≤0·5–1 mg/kg per day methylprednisolone or equivalent) and the duration should be short (≤7 days).