Abstract | OBJECTIVE: DESIGN: Meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials that examine the effectiveness of glucocorticoid treatment in children with croup. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: RESULTS: Twenty four studies met the inclusion criteria. Glucocorticoid treatment was associated with an improvement in the croup severity score at 6 hours with an effect size of -1.0 (95% confidence interval -1.5 to -0.6) and at 12 hours -1.0 (-1.6 to -0.4); at 24 hours this improvement was no longer significant (-1.0, -2.0 to 0.1). There was a decrease in the number of adrenaline treatments needed in children treated with glucocorticoids: a decrease of 9% (95% confidence interval 2% to 16%) among those treated with budesonide and of 12% (4% to 20%) among those treated with dexamethasone. There was also a decrease in the length of time spent in accident and emergency (-11 hours, 95% confidence interval -18 to 4 hours), and for inpatients hospital stay was reduced by 16 hours (-31 to 1 hour). Publication bias seems to play a part in these results. CONCLUSIONS:
|
Authors | M Ausejo, A Saenz, B Pham, J D Kellner, D W Johnson, D Moher, T P Klassen |
Journal | BMJ (Clinical research ed.)
(BMJ)
Vol. 319
Issue 7210
Pg. 595-600
(Sep 04 1999)
ISSN: 0959-8138 [Print] England |
PMID | 10473471
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
|
Chemical References |
- Anti-Bacterial Agents
- Glucocorticoids
|
Topics |
- Anti-Bacterial Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Child, Preschool
- Croup
(drug therapy)
- Glucocorticoids
(therapeutic use)
- Humans
- Infant
- Length of Stay
- Publication Bias
- Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
(standards)
- Sensitivity and Specificity
- Treatment Outcome
|