Corticosteroids in Community-acquired Pneumonia: To Give or Not To Give?

Abstract

Synopsis: Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses have shown improved outcomes when using corticosteroids in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), including shorter length of stay, reduced treatment failure, and even lower mortality rates in severe disease. In this reviewed study, a bundled intervention including corticosteroids did not improve outcomes and suggested that corticosteroids may even cause harm. Source: Lloyd M, Karahalios A, Janus E, et al. Effectiveness of a bundled intervention including corticosteroids on outcomes of hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia. JAMA Intern Med. 2019;179:1052–1060.