Three studies were included in the review (n=96 patients).
Two studies (n=50 patients) reported statistically significant improvements on some surrogate endpoints of pulmonary and systemic inflammation (e.g. lower serum C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels), although the effects were not consistent for all markers. The studies were too small to detect a difference on clinically important outcomes.
One small randomised controlled trial (n=46 patients) indicated that, compared to placebo, hydrocortisone may have improved markers of inflammation, oxygenation and organ dysfunction scores and reduced the duration of intensive care unit and hospital stay. There was no observed benefit on overall mortality.