- corticosteroid use for > 48h within the past 15 days prior to enrollment - use of steroids with doses higher than the equivalent to dexamethasone 6 mg - use of immunosuppressive drugs - pregnant women - chronic oxygen use - known history of dexamethasone allergy - dnr / dni - patient or proxy cannot consent

- corticosteroid use for > 48h within the past 15 days prior to enrollment - use of steroids with doses higher than the equivalent to dexamethasone 6 mg - use of immunosuppressive drugs - pregnant women - chronic oxygen use - known history of dexamethasone allergy - dnr / dni - patient or proxy cannot consent