The Delayed-Steroid-Strategy (DSS) for Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Series

Abstract

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is an inflammatory disease. It is often treated with steroids which could result in the recipient having an impaired immune defence and increases risk of getting infections. This could also hinder an adequate immune response post vaccination and render vaccines to be less effective. This was a study to assess the role and outcome of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to delay corticosteroid treatment. This strategy aims to allow the patients to achieve complete vaccination with adequate post vaccination response for better COVID-19 protection prior to commencement of steroids. All three newly diagnosed patients with IGM completed their NSAIDs bridging therapy. None of them reported any worsening of disease during that time.