Table 2.

Trials using dexamethasone (dexa); design (R = randomized in blue and Rs = retrospective and obs = observational in yellow), timing, duration, outcomes (focusing on mortality data), and viral shedding.

Trial Name/Authors (Reference)	Steroid Used, Dosing	Trial Design, Population	Initiation Timing	Duration of Administration (Days)	Main Outcome(s)	Secondary Outcome(s)	Viral Clearance
Tomazini BM et al. CoDEX trial [27]	dexa 20 mg iv × 5 d, then 10 mg dexa × 5 d or until ICU discharge	MC/R/O-L moderate to severe ARDS: SOC vs. SOC + dexa	Not mentioned	≤10	Dexa group: mean 6.6 ventilator-free d (95% CI, 5.0–8.2) vs. SOC group: 4.0 ventilator-free d (95% CI, 2.9–5.4), (difference, 2.26; 95% CI, 0.2–4.38; p = 0.04).	D28 no significant difference in: All-cause mortality Clinical status ICU free d MV duration SOFA	NA
RECOVERY trial [16]	dexa 6 mg/day pos or iv	Controlled/O-L CS vs. SOC	NA	10	D28 mortality: 22.9% dexa vs. 25.7% SOC, greater ↓ in pts on MV > O2 and if initiation > 7 d	Time to discharge Need for MV Need for CRRT	NA