THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CORTICOSTEROID USE AND PROGNOSIS AND MORTALITY IN CHILDREN WITH SEPTIC SHOCK: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background/ objectives: The leading factor in pediatric death is septic shock. The use of corticosteroids, however, is still debatable. The management of septic shock has included the adjunct use of several corticosteroids and treatment plans. At the cellular and tissular levels, the various medications and their modes of administration differ qualitatively and quantitatively. This comprehensive analysis looked at the likelihood of mortality and prognosis for children with septic shock who were supplemented with corticosteroids. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholarwere systematically searched to include the relevant literature. Rayyan QRCI was used throughout this systematic approach. Results/ Interpretation: The use of corticosteroids in pediatric septic shock patients is debatable. However, this study supports that corticosteroids are not recommended for children with septic shock. In order to increase generalizability and determine the ideal timing to begin treatment, the ideal dose of hydrocortisone (or an equivalent), and the duration and mode of withdrawal from treatment, additional studies are required to examine the role of prolonged low-dose corticosteroid treatment for septic shock in developing nations.