- The only significant evidence has been in small trials in adults only,
so possibly has limited applications in children.
- Steroids appear to have benefits only in late stage ARDS (previous
studies in early ARDS have not shown benefit) possibly because of effects
on fibrosis that occurs at this stage of the disease process.
- Side effects of steroids such as overwhelming infection (especially
fungal sepsis) were noted in one patient in the treatment group. Other
side effects such as hypertension, insulin resistance, etc. were not
GE, et al. Effect of prolonged methylprednisolone therapy in unresolving
acute respiratory distress syndrome: A randomized controlled trial.
JAMA 1998; 280(2): 159-65.
A, et al. Corticosteroid rescues in late paediatric acute respiratory
distress syndrome. Respirology 1999; 4: 295-97.
Author: Erica Markovitz, MD
CAT Appraisers: John
G. Frohna, MD, MPH
Date appraised: June
October 27, 2004
of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases
© 1998-2002 University of Michigan Health System