The effect of dexamethasone on treatment outcomes in patients with cerebral contusion and comorbid novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19)

Introduction. The problem of treating cerebral contusions in combination with a novel coronavirus infection is highly relevant in modern medicine and holds significant socio-economic importance. Methods and materials. During the study period (January 2021 – January 2023), 185 patients aged 18 to 80 years (median 38.5 years) with verified cerebral contusions (subarachnoid hemorrhage, contusion-hemorrhagic foci, subdural and epidural hematomas, traumatic intracerebral hematomas) confirmed by CT scans, and a diagnosis of «novel coronavirus infection» verified via clinical, laboratory, and instrumental data (PCR swab for SARS-CoV-2, chest CT findings), were examined at the St. Petersburg State Budgetary Healthcare Institution «Alexandrovskaya Hospital». Results. The administration of glucocorticoids in patients with moderate to severe cerebral contusions combined with COVID-19 reduces hypoxia, cerebral edema, and consequently shortens the regression time of generalized and focal neurological symptoms. A reduction in hospitalization duration was observed. To date, this method can be effectively used in treating patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and COVID-19. The approach is promising but requires further randomized studies. Conclusion. Dexamethasone reduces mortality and accelerates recovery in patients with cerebral contusions combined with COVID-19.