In the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the global healthcare community has raced to find effective therapeutic agents against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). To date, dexamethasone is the first and an important therapeutic to significantly reduce the risk of death in COVID-19 patients with severe disease. Due to powerful anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, dexamethasone could attenuate SARS-CoV-2-induced uncontrolled cytokine storm, severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and lung injury. Nevertheless, dexamethasone treatment is a double-edged sword, as numerous studies have revealed that it has significant adverse impacts later in life. In this article, we reviewed the literature regarding the adverse effects of dexamethasone administration on different organ systems as well as related disease pathogenesis in an attempt to clarify the potential harms that may arise in COVID-19 patients receiving dexamethasone treatment. Overall, taking the threat of COVID­19 pandemic into account, we think it is necessary to apply dexamethasone as a pharmaceutical therapy in critical patients. However, its adverse side effects cannot be ignored. Our review will help medical professionals in the prognosis and follow-up of patients treated with dexamethasone. In addition, given that a considerable amount of uncertainty, confusion and even controversy still exist, further studies and more clinical trials are urgently needed to improve our understanding of the parameters and the effects of dexamethasone on patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

在 2019 年冠状病毒病 (COVID-19) 大流行的背景下，全球医疗保健界竞相寻找针对严重急性呼吸系统综合症冠状病毒 2 (SARS-CoV-2) 的有效治疗剂。迄今为止，地塞米松是显着降低 COVID-19 重症患者死亡风险的第一种也是一种重要的治疗方法。由于强大的抗炎和免疫抑制作用，地塞米松可以减轻 SARS-CoV-2 引起的不受控制的细胞因子风暴、严重急性呼吸窘迫综合征和肺损伤。尽管如此，地塞米松治疗是一把双刃剑，因为许多研究表明它对以后的生活有重大的不利影响。在本文中，我们回顾了有关地塞米松给药对不同器官系统的不利影响以及相关疾病发病机制的文献，试图阐明接受地塞米松治疗的 COVID-19 患者可能出现的潜在危害。总体而言，考虑到COVID19大流行的威胁，我们认为有必要将地塞米松作为危重患者的药物治疗。然而，其不良副作用也不容忽视。我们的审查将帮助医疗专业人员对接受地塞米松治疗的患者进行预后和随访。此外，鉴于目前还存在相当多的不确定性、困惑甚至争议，