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Introduction: Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in Wuhan in late 2019, controversy on the use of corticosteroids for COVID-19 has obtained increasing attention. We present 1 critically ill patient who had a rapid therapeutic response to moderate-dose corticosteroids. Patient concerns: A 53-year-old critically ill woman from Wuhan suffered with COVID-19. Diagnosis: The chest computed tomography scan was suggestive of COVID-19. The diagnosis was confirmed by a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test for SARS-CoV-2. The critically ill status was characterized by worsening dyspnea, progressing bilateral lung consolidation, and poor oxygenation (SiO2/FiO2:110 mm Hg). Interventions: The patient was treated with a moderate dose of intravenous corticosteroids and high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy. Outcomes: After the initiation of corticosteroids, the patient rapidly improved over the following 6 days. Serial chest computed tomography scans showed good absorption of the consolidations. The patient was discharged on Day 17 of hospitalization without obvious adverse effects. Conclusions: Early use of moderate-dose corticosteroids over a short period may enhance recovery from COVID-19 in critically ill patients.

Background: Anticholinergic administration prior to flexible bronchoscopy has been investigated, but studies have not yielded consistent results. Methods: Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive nebulized 4 ml ipratropium bromide (1 mg, n = 125) or placebo (n = 125) for 15 minutes as premedication, 20 to 40 minutes before bronchoscopy. Airway secretions, bleeding, patient discomfort, procedure time, and procedure-related adverse events were compared between the groups. Results: Nebulized ipratropium bromide prior to bronchoscopy could reduce airway secretions and patient discomfort (P = .02; P