Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 20, 2025

Halogenated Agent Delivery in Porcine Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome via an Intensive Care Unit Type Device
Published on: September 24, 2020
Glucocorticoids for acute respiratory distress syndrome: A systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential
Zhen Junhai1, Hu Bangchuan2, Gong Shijin1
1Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, China.
Background:
Glucocorticoids are some of the most commonly used drugs for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, the curative effect and side effects of glucocorticoids in treating patients with ARDS remain controversial.
Methods:
Three databases were searched until 2 July 2020, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared glucocorticoids versus other therapies in the treatment of ARDS were included in this meta-analysis. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was conducted.
Results:
A total of 14 RCTs with 1362 ARDS patients were assessed. Overall, no statistically significant effect was found on mortality between the glucocorticoid group and the control group of ARDS patients. In the subgroup analysis, no benefit of glucocorticoids for ARDS on mortality was found in trials stratified according to low versus high risk of bias or with vs. without a loading dose. As for the dose and length of therapy, no statistically significant effect was found on mortality with high-dose, short-course glucocorticoid therapy. However, lower-dose and longer-course therapy with glucocorticoids was found to decrease the mortality of ARDS patients (lower dose: RR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.51-0.93, P = .02; longer-course therapy: RR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.37-0.99, P = .04). The TSA showed that more trials are needed to confirm the results.
Conclusions:
Longer- and lower-dose glucocorticoid treatment may improve the prognosis of ARDS patients, but RCTs with higher quality and larger sample sizes are needed to further clarify the clinical effects of glucocorticoids on ARDS.
Related Concept Videos
Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
Acute Respiratory Failure-V
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:

