Clinical use of steroids in viral central nervous system (CNS) infections: three challenging cases

Abstract

The role of adjunctive corticosteroids in reducing morbidity and mortality of viral CNS infections remains poorly defined. Clinicians are often left in a quagmire regarding steroid use in complex and rapidly evolving viral CNS infections. Limited studies have explored the underlying mechanisms behind the potential benefit of steroids. Here, we describe steroid use in three cases of viral CNS disease: varicella zoster virus (VZV), Powassan virus, and influenza A-associated acute necrotizing encephalopathy.

Keywords: Adjunctive corticosteroids; Steroid treatment; Treatment strategy; Viral CNS infections.