Another Trial of Steroids in Patients with Septic Shock

In a randomized trial, 200 mg of hydrocortisone daily didn't improve outcomes.

No convincing data show that steroids affect survival in patients with septic shock. (Despite this lack of data, the current Surviving Sepsis Guidelines support steroid use in the setting of refractory shock.) Publication of a single-center, nonrandomized study of vitamin C, thiamine, and steroids for such patients has renewed interest in steroid therapy (NEJM JW Gen Med Aug 15 2017 and Chest 151:1199).

An international group of investigators randomized 3658 patients with septic shock and respiratory failure who required mechanical ventilation to continuous infusion of hydrocortisone (200 mg during 24 hours) or placebo. Medications were given daily for as long as 7 days in the intensive care unit (ICU). Most patients (68%) had medical illnes…

Reviewing Author

Patricia Kritek, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsATS Scholar

Patricia Kritek, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsATS Scholar

Another Trial of Steroids in Patients with Septic Shock

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Reviewing Author