PGIMER STATEMENT 1
2nd Phase of Human Clinical Trials of Oxford Vaccine Going Well at PGIMER
Chandigarh : October 8 : PGIMER states that the second phase of human clinical trials of Covishield, the potential vaccine developed by the Oxford University, is going well here at PGIMER, which is listed as one of the 17 trial sites for conducting the second and third phases of human clinical trials of the Coveshield vaccine.
Till date, 97 volunteers have been screened. Of them, 65 volunteers have already been vaccinated since 25th September when PGIMER started administering the first dose of the vaccine to the volunteers. Among 65 volunteers given first dose, 53 participants have already completed 7 days post vaccination without any major side effects.
PGIMER STATEMENT 2
Indiscriminate Use of Steroids by COVID Positive Patients in Initial Stages before Admission to Hospital may Increase the Severity of the Disease as observed by Experts at PGIMER
Chandigarh : October 8 : PGIMER states that recently the seriousness of the COVID patients coming to the hospitals has increased. One of the reasons may be indiscriminate use of steroids in the initial, mild or asymptomatic patients. Steroid is not recommended for patients who do not require oxygen therapy. It has been observed by experts here at PGIMER that indiscriminate use of steroids in mild or initial stages of COVID disease can exaggerate the infection and may increase the severity of the disease. Hence, steroids shouldn’t be used indiscriminately and without any valid indication.
Even the ‘Recovery Trial’ published from England has shown that steroids given in early stages of COVID-19 i.e. when a patient is not requiring oxygen, can increase the mortality and morbidity of the COVID patients. Hence, it is advisable not to use these drugs. Steroids should be started in COVID patients only when they are requiring oxygen therapy and that also preferably after admission to the hospital under the supervision of an experienced physician.
Public Relations Office,
PGIMER, Chandigarh.
pro9pgimer@gmail.com
Contact : 7087008001; 9779560572; 0172-2756003
