Steroids for Post Intubation Stridor

A recent Cochrane review of the use of steroids to prevent post extubation stridor in adults and children has been comprehensively reviewed by the McMaster EBM unit for BMJ Evidence. The text below is from their site, which is free access.

BACKGROUND: Post-extubation stridor may prolong length of stay in the intensive care unit, particularly if airway obstruction is severe and re-intubation proves necessary. Some clinicians use corticosteroids to prevent or treat post-extubation stridor, but corticosteroids may be associated with adverse effects ranging from hypertension to hyperglycaemia, so a systematic assessment of the efficacy of this therapy is indicated.