Effects of methylprednisolone use on viral genomic nucleic acid negative conversion and CT imaging lesion absorption in COVID‐19 patients under 50 years old

The use of corticosteroids has been controversial in viral pneumonia. In most cases, application of methylprednisolone in severe and critical viral pneumonia patients can quickly alleviate the symptoms of dyspnea and prevent disease progression. However, some scholars have confirmed that corticosteroids delayed the body's clearance of the virus. In our retrospective non‐randomized study, 34 patients under 50 years old and diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) were included. According to the given methylprednisolone treatment (n = 18) or not (n = 16), they were separated into two groups. By comparing the clinical data we concluded that corticosteroids therapy can effectively release COVID‐19 symptoms such as persistent fever and difficult in breathing, improve oxygenation, and prevent disease progression. However, it can prolong the negative conversion of nucleic acids. Highlights 1. The use of glucocorticoids prolongs the time required for COVID‐19 patients to turn negative consecutively for nucleic acids test. 2. The use of glucocorticoids in critical and severe COVID‐19 typology patients can prevent the progression of this disease, especially to promote the absorption of CT lesion images 3. We confirm the safety and necessity of glucocorticoids applications in severe and critical COVID‐19 patients.