Near real-time analysis of the press conference, starting with things that stand out, and worth revisiting:
“transient drops” “below 94%” “2L” “about an hour”
”dexamethasone started”
moving about with only “mild symptoms” — what are those?

/1

"vital signs are stable” — that’s not helpful, and not consistent with the two “transient” drops in oxygen saturation/2

”continued monitoring of cardiac, liver, and kidney function” — I understand the liver and kidney function based on the known adverse effect profile of Remdesivir, but the cardiac function seems to lack context.

see: FDA EUA for Remdesivir: https://www.fda.gov/media/137566/download /3

”he’s had none” in reference to side effects from Remdesivir:

Not in line with Conley’s comments from yesterday, which made it sound like the primary reason for the hospitalization was the Remdesivir monitoring.

Taken together, it now sounds like oxygenation was the reason/4

Regarding dexamethasone: “he received his first dose of that yesterday”

This is a big one b/c:
Raises the level of concern significantly
Explains why Trump had energy to record video yesterday
Explains why yesterday’s presser abruptly terminated

(I’ll circle back)

Possible discharge "tomorrow”

Perhaps @JReinerMD can speak to the facilities at the WH, but to me this sounds like they feel they have the staff and equipment they need to handle eventualities at the WH.

I don’t necessarily see this as a reassuring sign.
/6

”expected findings” on chest imaging—
- doesn’t answer the question about the type of imaging
- also means that he has pneumonia, the question now is: has a CT scan been obtained, and did that show ground glass opacities?

/7

”he’s doing really well” -- Dr. Sean Dunlap (?) begs to differ based on his body language. He seemed to be nodding in agreement about the discharge planning piece of it, and then seemed taken aback by the comment.

Not sure what to think there.
/8

Circling back to dexamethasone:
It’s concerning because the best available evidence for its use comes from the RECOVERY Trial, which showed a benefit for patients needing help with their breathing and/or oxygen levels, but not for those without these issues… /9

The use of dexamethasone for milder cases — such as that depicted by Dr. Conley (but not the other physicians) -- is not without its risks, and may actually worsen outcomes.

Taken together: he’s sicker than Conley is admitting, or they’re toeing the line of overly aggressive/10

Continuing the dexamethasone observations:
Explains why Trump had the energy to record a video yesterday.

This temporary “boost” in energy is a well-knownphenomenon with dexamethasone in particular (but also seen in other steroids of the same class).

/11

Final thoughts:
Yesterday’s presser ended abruptly when asked re: dexamethasone

Why was Conley so evasive yesterday, but so willing to offer that information today?

Given the inconsistencies noted already, this remains the biggest open question in my mind.
/end