BREAKING! Methylprednisolone Use in ICU COVID-19 Patients Linked to Deadly Lung Infections
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Dec 13, 2025 1 hour, 35 minutes ago
Medical News: Methylprednisolone May Raise Infection and Death Risk in ICU COVID-19 Patients
A major international study has uncovered troubling evidence that the commonly used steroid methylprednisolone, while helpful in treating severe COVID-19, may also raise the risk of deadly lung infections in ICU patients. The research, conducted by experts from institutions such as Universidad de La Sabana (Colombia), Hospital Universitario Joan XXIII and CIBERES (Spain), Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), and Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari (Spain), investigated over 3200 patients across ten countries in Latin America and Europe.
Steroid treatment in COVID-19 ICU patients may raise the risk of fatal lung infections
The scientists found that methylprednisolone treatment significantly increased the likelihood of developing serious respiratory infections acquired while in the intensive care unit (ICU). These infections, collectively known as RTI-ICU (respiratory tract infections in ICU), were linked to higher death rates, longer hospital stays, and more time on mechanical ventilation.
This
Medical News report highlights the findings of this large prospective study, which was conducted from March 2020 to January 2021 and included critically ill adults with confirmed COVID-19 infections. Researchers used advanced statistical tools including propensity score matching to minimize bias and accurately compare patients who received methylprednisolone against those who did not.
Respiratory Infections in ICU Patients
Out of 3239 COVID-19 ICU patients studied, 1527 were treated with methylprednisolone. These patients were more likely to develop RTI-ICU, including ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and tracheobronchitis (VAT). The data showed an alarming 59 percent increased risk (OR = 1.59) of developing these infections among those receiving the drug.
Patients who developed RTI-ICU were more likely to be older, male, and have underlying conditions such as obesity or diabetes. They showed higher white blood cell counts and elevated C-reactive protein levels — both signs of inflammation. They also required significantly longer use of invasive mechanical ventilation (average 24.6 days compared to 9.5 days) and had longer hospital stays (40 days vs. 24.4 days). Critically, ICU mortality among these patients rose to 39.2 percent, compared to 29.2 percent in those who did not get RTI-ICU.
Steroid Treatment Must Be Carefully Considered
Methylprednisolone has been favored in COVID-19 treatment for its strong anti-inflammatory action and excellent lung penetration. However, this study suggests its use must be weighed against the increased risks of hospital-acquired infections. The authors noted that while corticosteroids like methylprednisolone can reduce inflammation and improve survival, they may also impair the body’s immune defenses and open the door to secondary infections.
Even though methylprednisolone use did not directly increase overall mortality when statistica
lly adjusted, it led to longer ICU stays and more days on mechanical ventilators. This suggests that while the drug may help some patients, it could be harmful or unnecessary for others, especially those at high risk for complications.
What This Means for COVID-19 Critical Care
Doctors must now be more cautious in deciding when and how to administer methylprednisolone. The study urges medical teams to closely monitor patients for early signs of respiratory infection, especially if they are older, obese, or require high oxygen support. It also calls for further research into the safest dosing, timing, and alternatives to corticosteroid therapy in COVID-19.
This research adds to the growing understanding that while some drugs can help treat the inflammation caused by COVID-19, they may come with serious trade-offs. With more variants emerging and long-term effects of COVID-19 still unfolding, precision in treatment is now more vital than ever.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: COVID (MDPI)
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8112/5/12/204
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/coronavirus
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/covid19-drugs
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/covid-19-supplements
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/covid-19-herbs
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