Association between Glucocorticoids and Mortality in Patients with Severe Pneumonia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on Randomized Controlled Trials
Abstract
Objective To explore the associations between glucocorticoid use and the clinical outcome of patients with severe pneumonia. Methods Medical databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and ScienceDirect were searched for relevant literature. Two independent researchers extracted the primary endpoint from the included literature. The Cochrane Q test and I2 statistics were used to evaluate the interstudy heterogeneity. The combined risk estimates were calculated by random effect model, and the source of heterogeneity was evaluated by subgroup analysis. Funnel plot and Egger's test were used to assess publication bias. P < 0.05 denoted statistical significance. Results A total of 12 literature, including 8171 patients with 1083 deaths, were included in this study for meta-analysis. The use of glucocorticoids significantly increased the mortality (RR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.84, P < 0.001), the risk of requiring mechanical ventilation (RR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.30, 2.02, P < 0.001), and the incidence of nosocomial infection (RR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.82, P = 0.04) in patients with severe pneumonia as compared with the control group. In addition, the use of glucocorticoids did not seem to be associated with length of treatment in the intensive care unit (mean difference = 1.47, 95% CI: -1.04, 3.96, P = 0.25) and the length of hospital stay (mean difference = 0.55, 95% CI: -3.90, 4.99, P = 0.81). Conclusion The use of glucocorticoids may increase the mortality, the incidence of…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 8,171 participants or records.
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