A Multicenter, Open-Label, Randomized Controlled Trial of a Dual Early Intervention Approach Combining Standard Care and Corticosteroids for Elderly Patients with Mild to Moderate COVID-19 (BEAT-COV Study)

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The BEAT-COV study evaluated corticosteroids combined with standard care for elderly patients with mild to moderate COVID-19.
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The trial was conducted across 15 hospitals in China and aimed to determine if corticosteroids reduce disease progression.
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Elderly individuals are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes due to weaker immune systems and underlying diseases.
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The study was prematurely terminated due to low COVID-19 prevalence and declining severe case incidence.
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Randomization was performed in a 1:1 ratio, ensuring equal distribution of participants receiving corticosteroids or standard care.

Bmc Infectious Diseases

by Qiaoling Ruan, Yanliang Zhang, Tingting Zhao, Feng Zhu, Xi Liu, Ran Cao, Yongzhong Li, Xiaoqiang Zhang, Wei Song, Jiawei Geng, Deming Zou, Yuanyuan Li, Liaoyun Zhang, Chao Wu, Yuanbo Lan, Xiangchun Ding, Fuli Huang, Jiqin Wu, Feng Sun, Lingyun Shao, Wenhong Zhang
March 6, 2026

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