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

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.