[Adjuvant treatment with corticosteroids: what is the benefit in patients with community-acquired pneumonia?].

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is frequently seen in the general population and has high morbidity and a substantial mortality. Several studies investigated the role of short course of corticosteroids (CS) as adjuvant treatment next to antibiotics. In patients with severe CAP admitted to the ICU, CS seems to be effective with a reduction of length of stay (LOS) and a reduction in mortality. However, these studies are of moderate quality. In patients with CAP admitted to a general ward CS may result in a more rapid clinical stability and reduction of LOS with one day. The disadvantage of adjuvant CS are an increased risk for CAP related rehospitalisation and hyperglycaemia. Further research with CS is needed, especially in those patients with a hyperinflammation state.