Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 16, 2026

Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Specific Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae
06:04

Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Specific Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Published on: February 24, 2023

2.9K

Adjunctive corticosteroid therapy for inpatients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia

Masato Tashiro1,2, Kiyohide Fushimi3, Kei Kawano4

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan. mtashiro@nagasaki-u.ac.jp.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine
|December 30, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Corticosteroid therapy for Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia did not reduce mortality or length of stay. This adjunctive treatment also increased costs and the risk of hyperglycemia requiring insulin.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Conflicting evidence exists on corticosteroid benefits for Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia.
  • This study investigated if corticosteroids reduce mortality and length of stay (LOS).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of adjunctive corticosteroid therapy in adult patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia.
  • To assess the impact of low-dose and high-dose corticosteroids on mortality, LOS, drug costs, and hyperglycemia.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of adult patients with M. pneumoniae pneumonia from a Japanese inpatient database (2010-2013).
  • Propensity score matching was used to compare outcomes between no-corticosteroid, low-dose, and high-dose corticosteroid groups.
  • Evaluated 30-day mortality, LOS, drug costs, and incidence of hyperglycemia requiring insulin treatment.

Main Results:

  • A total of 2228 patients were analyzed; propensity score matching created pairs for comparison.
  • Adjunctive corticosteroid therapy did not significantly decrease 30-day mortality.
  • Both low-dose and high-dose corticosteroid use were associated with increased LOS, higher drug costs, and increased rates of hyperglycemia requiring insulin.

Conclusions:

  • Adjunctive corticosteroid treatment, at both low and high doses, may not offer benefits for patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia.
  • The findings suggest potential harms, including increased LOS and costs, associated with corticosteroid use in this context.
Keywords:
CorticosteroidMycoplasma pneumoniaePneumonia

More Related Videos

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment as a Useful Adjunctive Tool for Pneumonia13:27

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment as a Useful Adjunctive Tool for Pneumonia

Published on: May 6, 2014

49.1K
A Robust Pneumonia Model in Immunocompetent Rodents to Evaluate Antibacterial Efficacy against S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa or A. baumannii09:17

A Robust Pneumonia Model in Immunocompetent Rodents to Evaluate Antibacterial Efficacy against S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa or A. baumannii

Published on: January 2, 2017

15.3K

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
932
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology01:29

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
3.1K
Pneumonia IV: Management01:28

Pneumonia IV: Management

The treatment of pneumonia varies based on its severity and the causative pathogen. Here is a structured approach to managing pneumonia, integrating pharmaceutical and supportive care strategies.
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
835
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention01:30

Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention

Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed....
3.6K
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
917
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies01:22

Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies

Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.
402