title: [Corticosteroid administration for acute respiratory distress syndrome : therapeutic option?].
abstract: Despite a number of clinical trials there is still controversy about the role of corticosteroid therapy in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In addition recent meta-analyses differed markedly in the conclusions. This review is intended to provide a short practical guide for the clinician. Based on the available literature, high-dose and pre-emptive administration of corticosteroids is hazardous and not indicated. A low-dose corticosteroid regime given for 4 weeks may potentially be helpful and can be considered in acute or unresolved ARDS in less than 14 days after onset of ARDS, if a close infection surveillance program is available, if neuromuscular blockade can be avoided and if a stepwise dose reduction of corticosteroids is performed. The total daily dose at the beginning of treatment should not exceed 2 mg/kg body weight (BW) methylprednisolone.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Anaesthesiologie, Klinikum der Universität München, München, Deutschland. patrick.moehnle@med.uni-muenchen.de
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Möhnle
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Briegel
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents