BACKGROUND:: The effect of corticosteroid treatment on the viral load of Severe Acute
Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) patients is unknown. OBJECTIVE:: To compare the plasma
SARS-CoV RNA concentrations in ribavirin-treated patients who received early
hydrocortisone therapy with those who received placebo. STUDY DESIGN:: Serial plasma
SARS-CoV RNA concentrations measured in the setting of a prospective, randomized
double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial designed to assess the efficacy of “early”(< 7 days of …