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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
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Separation of Immune Cell Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood Samples from Children with Infectious Mononucleosis
Published on: September 7, 2022
Steroids for symptom control in infectious mononucleosis
1National Patient Safety Agency, 4-8 Maple Street, London, UK W1T 5HD. bridget.candy@npsa.nhs.uk
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|July 21, 2006
Summary
Steroid therapy for glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis) shows limited evidence of symptom control and potential for severe complications. More research is needed on efficacy and long-term safety, especially for young adults.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis) presents with fatigue, fever, and sore throat, with variable symptom duration and severity.
- Limited treatment options exist, and criteria for steroid use in glandular fever are not universal.
- Steroids are potent drugs, and their use for symptom control, particularly in young, productive individuals, requires careful consideration of potential benefits versus risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of steroid therapy for managing symptoms of glandular fever.
- To synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing steroids to placebo or other interventions.
Main Methods:
- Searched multiple databases including CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and UK National Research Register.
- Included RCTs comparing steroid therapy with placebo or other interventions for glandular fever.
- Independently assessed trial inclusion and planned meta-analysis where possible.
Main Results:
- Seven heterogeneous trials with small sample sizes were included.
- Steroid therapy showed a transient benefit for sore throat at 12 hours, not sustained.
- Potential benefits for fatigue resolution were unclear and possibly linked to combination therapy with antivirals.
- Two trials reported severe complications in participants receiving steroids.
Conclusions:
- Insufficient evidence exists to recommend steroid treatment for symptom control in glandular fever due to trial limitations.
- Further research is needed on the side effects and long-term complications of steroid use in glandular fever.
- The heterogeneity and quality of existing trials limit definitive conclusions on steroid efficacy and safety.
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