- high dose systemic corticosteroids in the phase before hospitalization (> 10mg/d prednisone or equivalent dose) - significant concomitant disease (acute cerebral vascular event, acute coronary syndrome, seizure, burn, neuromuscular disease) - organ transplant - aids - pregnancy and/or breastfeeding - use of cytokine absorber

- high dose systemic corticosteroids in the phase before hospitalization (> 10mg/d prednisone or equivalent dose) - significant concomitant disease (acute cerebral vascular event, acute coronary syndrome, seizure, burn, neuromuscular disease) - organ transplant - aids - pregnancy and/or breastfeeding - use of cytokine absorber