Corticosteroids and Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Background: In recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential role of corticosteroids as adjunctive therapy in severe. Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) cases. It is a significant global health burden, contributing substantially to infectious disease-related morbidity and mortality. Severe management presents challenges, often requiring intensive supportive measures and aggressive antimicrobial therapy. Corticosteroids have garnered interest as adjunctive therapy due to their anti-inflammatory effects, hypothesised to modulate the exaggerated host immune response in severe pneumonia.
Aim: In this systematic review, we aim to address the gap in knowledge by conducting a rigorous evaluation of the outcomes associated with corticosteroid therapy as an adjunctive treatment in severe CAP.
Methods: This systematic review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Eligible studies focused on severe CAP patients receiving corticosteroid therapy in randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Information sources included PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, with manual searches of journals and conferences. Data were extracted, synthesised, and analysed to evaluate corticosteroid efficacy and safety.
Results: Of 1016 studies screened, six RCTs were included, totalling 2772 participants. Interventions included various corticosteroids administered adjunctively for severe CAP. Studies assessed outcomes such as mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of hospital stay,…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, 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: 2,772 participants or records.
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