Corticosteroids for presumed pneumocystis pneumonia in patients with HIV infection

Abstract

Adjunctive corticosteroids decrease mortality in patients with HIV infection who have moderate to severe hypoxemia and suspected or confirmed pneumocystis pneumonia. Corticosteroids lead to a higher incidence of herpetic lesions, but not other opportunistic conditions. (Strength of recommendation: A, based on a systematic review of randomized controlled trials [RCTs].)