A recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia journal suggests that a higher dose of the steroid drug dexamethasone may have less beneficial effects for COVID-19 patients in India compared to those in Europe. The research, conducted by a team that included researchers from Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet, Denmark, examined the efficacy of a strong dose of dexamethasone for COVID-19 patients, considering factors such as patient differences and health systems.
The study found that a larger dose of dexamethasone (12 mg) did not appear to be as effective as the usual dose (6 mg) in terms of survival rates and the well-being of patients after 90 and 180 days. The authors noted that while the analysis suggests the higher dose may have less beneficial effects for patients in India compared to Europe, the evidence is weak, and this observation could be a chance finding.
The research also assessed the safety of the higher dose for Indian patients and found no major issues, emphasizing the importance of patient safety. The study highlights that the effectiveness of treatments can vary based on the geographical location of patients and unique challenges in different regions, particularly in lower-middle-income countries like India.
The researchers cautioned that this study is just one piece of the puzzle, and more research is needed to confirm the findings. Additionally, the study serves as a reminder that treatments may exhibit different efficacy in various parts of the world. The research team included scientists from Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, the George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi, and the University of New South Wales, Australia.
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