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Corticosteroids for treating sepsis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Xiaoyan Luo1, Jie Yang1, Zhihui Zhang1
1Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China; Department of General Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
Respiratory Medicine
|March 22, 2026
Summary
Corticosteroids may reduce sepsis mortality and organ support needs, but optimal dosing remains unclear. Further research is essential to personalize corticosteroid therapy for sepsis patients.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Evidence Synthesis
Background:
- Corticosteroids have a long history in sepsis treatment, but their optimal use is debated.
- Uncertainty persists regarding effective dosages, administration schedules, and long-term patient outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Corticosteroids appear to decrease sepsis-related mortality and duration of organ support.
- Evidence for a definitive "optimal" corticosteroid dosage or regimen is lacking.
- Further investigation is required to optimize and personalize corticosteroid treatment strategies for sepsis.
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