Corticosteroids and hospital-acquired pneumonia

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is a serious infection with high mortality rates, especially in critically ill patients. The role of corticosteroids as adjunctive therapy in this population is debated. These agents have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, which have the potential to reduce pulmonary inflammation and improve oxygenation. However, the risk of secondary infections and metabolic complications that their use may entail is a matter for concern, given their impact on patients’ outcome. In this review, we discuss the current scientific evidence on the use of corticosteroids as adjunctive therapy for patients with HAP and VAP, its implications for patients’ clinical outcomes, and the possible effects. Corticosteroids are not recommended as standard therapy for HAP/VAP but may be beneficial in selected subgroups of patients.