Corticosteroids in intensive care medicine

Corticosteroids in ICU

Abstract

Corticosteroids have occupied for long a prominent place in the routine treatment of most if not all inflammatory disease. Their anti-inflammatory effect has been clearly demonstrated for many years. The beneficial effect of using corticosteroids in severe acute community-acquired pneumonia is likely related to an anti-inflammatory effect. Their powerful immunological and cardiovascular effects are also well known, which are of significant interest in resuscitation management. In addition to reducing mortality in septic shock, they accelerate the recovery of cardiovascular and respiratory homeostasis in sepsis and other critical illnesses. Their beneficial effects on the recovery of the function of other organs remain uncertain.