Cochrane Corner: Corticosteroids for viral myocarditis.

Abstract

The causes of myocarditis are diverse, but a viral etiology is the most common. In this systematic review by the Cochrane Collaboration, the authors assessed the efficacy of corticosteroid therapy in patients with viral myocarditis. Eight randomized controlled trials with 719 patients (two trials in pediatric populations) were included for analysis. Pooled results did not show significant differences in mortality with the use of corticosteroids. Patients on corticosteroid therapy had significantly higher post-treatment left ventricular ejection fraction values compared to control. These results are limited by the significant heterogeneity associated with clinical trials. The best available evidence does not support the routine use of corticosteroids in patients with viral myocarditis.

• Authors: Daniel Caldeira, Luís R Lopes, António Vaz-Carneiro, João Costa
• Journal: Revista portuguesa de cardiologia : orgao oficial da Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia = Portuguese journal of cardiology : an official journal of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology (Rev Port Cardiol) Vol. 34 Issue 1 Pg. 65-7 (Jan 2015) ISSN: 2174-2030 [Electronic] Portugal
• PMID: 25528972 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review, Systematic Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2014 Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia. Published by Elsevier España. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones

Topics

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones (therapeutic use)
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Humans
• Myocarditis (drug therapy)