Revisiting dexamethasone use in the pediatric emergency department

Abstract

Purpose of review: Dexamethasone is an essential treatment for common pediatric inflammatory, airway, and respiratory conditions. We aim to provide up-to-date recommendations for treatment of anaphylaxis, croup, coronavirus disease, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, and asthma with dexamethasone for use in the pediatric emergency department.

Recent findings: Literature largely continues to support the use of dexamethasone in most of the above conditions, however, recommendations for dosing and duration are evolving.

Summary: The findings discussed in this review will enable pediatric emergency medicine providers to use dexamethasone effectively as treatment of common pediatric conditions and minimize the occurrence of side-effects caused by gratuitous corticosteroid use.