Authors: Derek Korff-Korn*, & Jeffrey Bander MD
Published Date: November 12, 2025
Cite: Korff-Korn, D., & Bander, J. (2025). Evaluating the impact of high-dose corticosteroid therapy in COVID-19 hospitalizations. Crystal Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology, 1(1), 01-06.
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is characterized by an abnormal immune and respiratory response, and therapeutic corticosteroids are among the few treatments consistently used since the initial outbreak in March 2020 [1]. However, the efficacy of high dose steroids, specifically in the first 48 hours of hospital admission, has been debated. This was a retrospective observation of COVID-19 admissions between September 2, 2020 and June 14, 2021, among patients whose maximum oxygen requirement resulted in intubation and/or tracheostomy. The systemic consistency of steroid prescriptions was assessed to ensure the probability of prescription did not independently infer variables associated with less improved outcomes. We compared outcomes (mortality, length of stay, major events [AFIB, AKI, AMI, ARDS, stroke, bleed]) in patients provided with varying doses (high dose = 40mg daily of methylprednisolone, standard dose = 4-40mg daily of dexamethasone, no dose) and time (since symptom onset and admission) of steroids. Of the 141 days of stay meeting study criteria, 83 days a patient received a high dose of steroids (median dose = 285mg), 49 a standard dose (median dose = 6mg), and of 9 days a patient received no dose during the first 48 hours of admission. According to laboratory results and oxygen requirements, the consistency of steroid prescriptions was widely inconsistent, leading to a lack of correlation between risk factors and likelihood of receiving steroids. Therefore, the unadjusted data which associated high dose steroids with lower risk of death (51.8% vs 67.9%, p<.001), length of stay (39.7 vs 49.6 days, p<.01), and major events (-0.23 correlation), among hospitalized COVID-19 patients, was sufficient.
Keywords
COVID-19, Corticosteroid Therapy, High-Dose, Mortality, Intubation
Authors: Dr. Prem Kumar Jaiswal, D.Phil. D.Sc.*
Published Date: November 12, 2025
Cite: Jaiswal, P. K. (2025). The evolution of food safety governance in India: A comprehensive review of the Fssai regulations and consumer empowerment. Cryst J Public Health Epidemiol, 1(1), 01-07.
Abstract
This paper provides a comprehensive overview of India's current food safety governance model, established under the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006. The FSSA and its subsequent rules and regulations, enforced by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), consolidate previous disparate food laws into a unified, science-based framework. We review the evolution from the Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act, 1954, to the modern FSSAI regime, detailing its multi-faceted approach to ensuring safe and wholesome food through mandatory licensing, product standardization, contaminant control, and enforcement via state and central bodies. Furthermore, the paper highlights the critical role of consumer awareness, noting the powers granted to the consumer for food analysis and the need for due diligence when purchasing high-cost, specialized, or fortified foods. The FSSAI's dynamic regulatory environment reflects a continuous effort to meet the complexities of the modern food chain.
Keywords
Food Safety, FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India), Food Regulations, Consumer Awareness, Food Adulteration, Public Health
