Drug Dexamethasone found to cut death rates among critical Covid-19 patients

  • IASbaba
  • June 18, 2020
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Drug Dexamethasone found to cut death rates among critical Covid-19 patients

Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-II – Health; GS-III – Science & Technology (Developments of & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life)

In News:

  • Researchers leading a major clinical trial in the UK recently announced that the drug dexamethasone had been found to reduce death rates by one-third in the most severely ill Covid-19 patients.

Important value additions 

Dexamethasone 

  • It is a corticosteroid, an easily available medicine
  • It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation
  • Its effects are frequently seen within a day, and last for about three days.
  • It is used when there is any inflammation in the body due to infection or injury.
  • It has been used for years by sportspersons to hasten their rehabilitation from injuries and recover from infections.
  • It is on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA’s) list of prohibited substances
  • Athletes are, however, barred from using dexamethasone only during competition. 
  • It will not be considered a doping offence if it is detected prior to a competition. 

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