Corticosteroid treatment for community-acquired pneumonia--the STEP trial: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the third-leading infectious cause of death worldwide. The standard treatment of CAP has not changed for the past fifty years and its mortality and morbidity remain high despite adequate antimicrobial treatment. Systemic corticosteroids have anti-inflammatory effects and are therefore discussed as adjunct treatment for CAP. Available studies show controversial results, and the question about benefits and harms of adjunct corticosteroid therapy has not been conclusively resolved, particularly in the non-critical care setting.

Methods/design

This randomized multicenter study compares a treatment with 7 days of prednisone 50 mg with placebo in adult patients hospitalized with CAP independent of severity. Patients are screened and

SUBMITTER: Blum CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4083867 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature