Corticosteroids Are Not Helpful for Severe Influenza

In a retrospective analysis of patients with influenza-associated respiratory failure, corticosteroid treatment was significantly associated with worse outcomes.

During the 2009 outbreak of H1N1 influenza, many critically ill patients received corticosteroid therapy, although the efficacy of this practice is unproven. To examine the role of corticosteroids in the management of severe influenza, investigators analyzed prospectively collected data from a registry of critically ill patients who were hospitalized for influenza A infection at any of 108 participating intensive care units (ICUs) in France between November 1, 2009, and March 1, 2010 (n=567).

Two hundred eight of these patients were identified has having influenza-associated respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. Among these individuals, 83 received corticosteroid therapy and 125 did not.

Corticosteroid recipients were more lik…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)