Hydrocortisone May Lower Severe CAP Mortality - Takeaways - MDSpire
From the Journals

Hydrocortisone May Lower Severe CAP Mortality

Network meta-analysis suggests hydrocortisone may offer mortality and ventilation benefits, although evidence certainty remained low.

  • By

  • Andrea Surnit

  • May 11, 2026

  • 3 min

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  • 1

    Network meta-analysis reviewed 11 trials with 2,042 patients.

  • 2

    Hydrocortisone linked to lower all-cause mortality in severe CAP.

  • 3

    Dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and prednisolone did not show significant effects.

  • 4

    Suggested a 65% reduction in mortality risk with hydrocortisone.

  • 5

    Adverse events included infections, cardiac events, and hyperglycemia.

  • 6

    Evidence certainty rated very low to low due to indirect comparisons.

  • 7

    Findings not sufficient for immediate changes in treatment guidelines.

Original Source(s)

Hydrocortisone May Lower Severe CAP Mortality

  • by Andrea Surnit

  • May 11, 2026

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