The effect of glucocorticoids in community-acquired pneumonia
|
Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on June 28th, 2023
|
The inflammation associated with pneumonia can result in gas exchange impairment and the degree of inflammation correlates with the risk of death. Glucocorticoids, such as hydrocortisone, have a strong anti-inflammatory effect. Thus, a study was conducted to investigate its effect in reducing mortality associated with community-acquired pneumonia.
The phase 3 clinical trial included 795 patients who were being treated for community-acquired pneumonia in the intensive care unit. The median age of these patients were 67 years old, and they were randomly assigned to be treated with either placebo or intravenous hydrocortisone at a dose of 200 mg per day for the first four days; treatment may be continued based upon the assessment of the physician. After 28 days, the researchers concluded that hydrocortisone reduced the risk of death by 5.6% when compared to those who were treated with placebo. Besides preventing death, hydrocortisone also reduces the need for endotracheal intubation and vasopressors. In terms of adverse effects, hydrocortisone does not increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
The phase 3 clinical trial included 795 patients who were being treated for community-acquired pneumonia in the intensive care unit. The median age of these patients were 67 years old, and they were randomly assigned to be treated with either placebo or intravenous hydrocortisone at a dose of 200 mg per day for the first four days; treatment may be continued based upon the assessment of the physician. After 28 days, the researchers concluded that hydrocortisone reduced the risk of death by 5.6% when compared to those who were treated with placebo. Besides preventing death, hydrocortisone also reduces the need for endotracheal intubation and vasopressors. In terms of adverse effects, hydrocortisone does not increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.