Clinical case of bradycardia induced by dexamethasone in a patient with COVID-19-associated pneumonia

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has become a global health crisis, significantly impacting healthcare systems worldwide. The first cases were reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and since then, the disease has spread across all continents, reaching over 777 million confirmed cases by 2024. Severe COVID-19 is associated with complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, cytokine storm, thromboembolic events, and multiple organ failure, which necessitate a comprehensive approach to treatment and patient monitoring. Among the medications used, glucocorticoids like dexamethasone play a prominent role, with their efficacy and safety confirmed through numerous clinical observations. However, their use carries the risk of adverse effects, including a rare but dangerous complication – bradycardia. The relevance of this issue underscores the need to increase healthcare professionals’ awareness of possible cardiovascular reactions to corticosteroid therapy and the importance of early detection and correction. Aim. Study of a clinical case related to the development of bradycardia during dexamethasone therapy in a patient with COVID-19-associated pneumonia. Material and methods. The source of information was the primary medical documentation of patient Z. – "Medical record of a patient receiving inpatient care" (form 003/u). Results. The described case characterizes the development of bradycardia in a patient receiving dexamethasone for COVID-19-associated pneumonia. An important aspect was the timely detection and discontinuation of dexamethasone upon the onset of bradycardia, which helped prevent complications and ensured a favorable outcome. This observation emphasizes the need for an individualized approach to COVID-19 therapy, continuous monitoring for side effects, and adjustment of treatment based on the clinical situation. Keywords: COVID-19, bradycardia, dexamethasone, pneumonia.