Should you use steroids to treat infectious mononucleosis?

Abstract

Studies of steroids to treat infectious mononucleosis have found no significant effect on the clinical course of the illness at 1 to 3 months (strength of recommendation [SOR]: B, 1 randomized controlled trial [RCT] and 1 nonrandomized double-blind trial). Although steroids have been shown to improve resolution of hematologic ab- normalities, fever, and white blood cell count, and may shorten length of infirmary stay (SOR: B, 1 nonrandomized double-blind trial and 1 RCT), no significant difference was found in resolution of symptoms with or without steroids (SOR: A, 2 RCTs).