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Corticosteroid use does not appear to increase infectious complications in non-COVID-19 pneumonia

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that adjunct corticosteroids probably reduce short-term mortality in cases of severe pneumonia and ARDS, but have little effect on hospital-acquired infections. The evidence suggests that there is no increased risk of infectious complications with corticosteroid use for non-COVID-19 pneumonia.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateDec 1, 2025

Pediatric investigation study identifies the optimal dose of methylprednisolone for treating severe mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia

Researchers conducted a randomized clinical trial to compare low- and high-dose methylprednisolone with azithromycin for treating severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. The study found that lower dose regimen of glucocorticoids is sufficient, equally effective, and safer than the high dose regimen.

SourcePediatric Investigation·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 31, 2025

Children born in lower-opportunity neighborhoods may face higher incidence rates of asthma with recurrent exacerbations, NIH study finds

A new NIH study found that children born in lower-opportunity neighborhoods are more likely to experience repeated asthma flares requiring emergency care. Non-Hispanic Black children have the highest incidence rates of severe childhood asthma, also known as asthma with recurrent exacerbations (ARE).

SourceEnvironmental influences on Child Health Outcomes·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 9, 2025

Pediatric investigation study releases updated guidelines for pediatric mycoplasma pneumoniae infection

The Chinese Medical Association has released updated guidelines for pediatric mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, emphasizing a multi-faceted diagnostic approach and evidence-based treatment strategies. The guidelines highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis and responsible antibiotic use to combat rising resistance.

SourcePediatric Investigation·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 19, 2025

Recurrent wheezing in children linked to 'silent' viral infections

Research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine reveals that nearly a quarter of children with recurrent wheezing have undetected lung infections that do not respond to commonly prescribed steroids. The study suggests that antiviral medications such as azithromycin may be a more effective treatment for these cases.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateAug 8, 2024

Do steroid creams affect bone health?

Researchers found a clear dose-response relationship between long-term topical corticosteroid use and elevated risks of osteoporosis and major osteoporotic fractures. Women under 50 had higher risks compared to men and other age groups, emphasizing the importance of careful treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology·DateDec 20, 2023

A novel non-steroidal anti-inflammatory

AG5, a novel non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, has been developed by a multidisciplinary team to inhibit the cytokine storm like corticosteroids but preserve innate immunity. It has shown promise in animal models of inflammation and is expected to be useful in treating chronic inflammatory diseases.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 28, 2023

New study calls into question the superiority of stem cell therapy for treating knee pain

A recent study published in Nature Medicine calls into question the effectiveness of stem cell therapy for treating knee pain. While some patients showed improvement, there was no significant advantage found in using stem cell therapies compared to corticosteroid injections over a one-year period.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 2, 2023

Researchers find drugs that reduce infant death may lead to long-term health issues

A new study published in The BMJ found that steroid use during pregnancy may increase the risk of short and long-term health issues in infants. Researchers analyzed data from 1.6 million infants and found that full-term babies exposed to corticosteroids had a higher risk of neonatal intensive care admission, respiratory and growth issu...

SourceMcMaster University·JournalBMJ·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 2, 2023

Intravenous plus periarticular corticosteroids improve rehabilitation measures after knee replacement

A combination of intravenous and periarticular corticosteroids improves rehabilitation measures after knee replacement, but not pain relief. The study found that patients who received both IV and PA corticosteroids had better knee movement and walking distances compared to those who received either medication alone.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateMay 25, 2023

A sharp increase in the price of the gout drug colchicine led to lower use and poorer disease control, UCLA research suggests

A sharp increase in colchicine's price led to a 17% drop in its use and worsened disease control in gout patients. Patients turned to alternative medications with potentially different side effects, resulting in increased emergency department visits and specialist consultations.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 8, 2023

Higher dose corticosteroids associated with a 60% increased risk of death in hypoxic COVID-19 patients requiring only non-invasive oxygen therapy (The Lancet / RECOVERY trial)

A new study published in The Lancet found that higher dose corticosteroids are associated with a 60% increased risk of death in hypoxic COVID-19 patients requiring only non-invasive oxygen therapy. The RECOVERY trial also identified an excess of pneumonia and hyperglycaemia in the higher-dose corticosteroid group.

Overweight and obesity prevalent and poorly managed among adults with type 1 diabetes

A recent study found that adults with type 1 diabetes are at a high risk of being overweight or obese, but only half receive lifestyle recommendations to manage their weight. The study also highlighted the importance of individualized patient education in improving weight management for these patients.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 13, 2023

More than a quarter of people with asthma are still over-using rescue inhalers – putting them at increased risk of severe attacks and hospitalisation

A study by Queen Mary University of London found that 26% of patients with asthma are overusing rescue inhalers, which can lead to poor asthma control and increased risk of severe attacks. By reducing SABA overprescribing, hospitals can see a 70% decrease in asthma-related hospital admissions.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 15, 2022

Wilderness Medical Society issues new clinical practice guidelines on anaphylaxis

The Wilderness Medical Society has published evidence-based guidelines for anaphylaxis treatment in remote areas. The guidelines recommend administering intramuscular epinephrine as the primary prehospital treatment, while also discussing prevention strategies such as extracting additional epinephrine from autoinjectors and using expir...

SourceElsevier·JournalWilderness and Environmental Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 15, 2022

Massive cost, meager benefit

A new evidence review by Oregon Health & Science University researchers found that the expensive multiple sclerosis drug Acthar provides very little clinical benefit compared to less-expensive alternatives. The study screened 41 studies and found weak or no benefit from Acthar against standard medications like corticosteroids.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 13, 2021

Cleveland Clinic study suggests steroid nasal sprays may help improve outcomes in severe COVID-19 disease

A recent Cleveland Clinic study found that patients who use steroid nasal sprays are less likely to develop severe COVID-19-related disease, including lower risk of hospitalization, ICU admission, and mortality. The study showed a 20-25% reduction in these outcomes for patients using intranasal corticosteroids.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice·DateSep 28, 2021