The results of this systematic review provide an evidence summary to inform clinicians regarding decisions to use corticosteroids in adult patients with septic shock. We found that assignment to treatment with corticosteroids had no effect on either short-term or longer-term mortality. To date, health-related quality of life has not been reported by any trial. Adverse events were increased in patients assigned to corticosteroids. The time to resolution of shock was shorter, as was duration of mechanical ventilation, and ICU admission. The use of corticosteroids was not associated with increased incidence of secondary infection.

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