Role of Glucocorticosteroids in the Treatment of Infectious Diseases

Overview

Journal Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis

Publisher Springer

Specialties Infectious Diseases
Microbiology

Date 1993 Jan 1

PMID 8477768

Citations 1

Authors

J Thompson

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The role of glucocorticosteroids in the management of infectious diseases in man remains controversial, although experimental data obtained both in in vitro systems and in experimental infections in animals provide evidence of a beneficial effect of such treatment. Their use in the treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumoniae and severe typhoid fever seems indicated. A beneficial effect on the treatment of bacterial meningitis needs to be confirmed. Sufficient data are now available that argue against steroid treatment in septic shock. However, new treatment modalities such as monoclonal antibodies against endotoxin and inflammatory mediators are currently being developed to modulate infectious inflammation. This could also bring a renaissance of the role of glucocorticosteroids in the treatment of infectious diseases.

Citing Articles

Clinical review: a systematic review of corticosteroid use in infections.

Aberdein J, Singer M Crit Care. 2005; 10(1):203.

PMID: 16356204 PMC: 1550829. DOI: 10.1186/cc3904.

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