Broad spectrum antimicrobial* (n = 138) | Ribavirin + corticosteroid† (n = 138) | IV methylprednisolone‡ (n = 107) | |
---|---|---|---|
*Antimicrobials included cefotaxime and clarithromycin (or levofloxacin) + oseltamivir. | |||
†Ribavirin (oral or intravenous) + oral prednisolone or intravenous hydrocortisone. | |||
‡Intravenous methylprednisolone up to 3 g in total. | |||
Clinical outcome definitions: (1) afebrile (daily peak temperature ⩽37.5°C) for at least 4 consecutive days; (2) resolution of chest radiograph consolidation by >25% (comparing film of maximal consolidation and that on the 4th afebrile day); (3) oxygen independence (Sao2 ⩾95% on room air) on the 4th afebrile day. | |||
Sustained response = 1+2+3; partial response = 1+2 or 3; no response = failure to fulfil criteria of sustained response and partial response. | |||
Sustained response | 0 (0) | 16 (11.6%) | 50 (46.7%) |
Partial response | 0 (0) | 9 (6.5%) | 45 (42.1%) |
No response | 138 (100%) | 113 (81.9%) | 12 (11.2%) |