Dexamethasone in children mechanically ventilated for lower respiratory tract infection caused by respiratory syncytial virus: A randomized controlled trial*

Abstract

In this prematurely ended trial in children mechanically ventilated for severe respiratory syncytial virus-lower respiratory tract infection, we found no evidence of a beneficial effect of dexamethasone in children with mild oxygenation abnormalities. Neither was evidence found that dexamethasone may prolong mechanical ventilation in those with severe oxygenation abnormalities.