Adjunct steroids in the treatment of peritonsillar abscess: A systematic review

作者：Hur Kevin^*; Zhou Sheng; Kysh Lynn

来源：Laryngoscope, 2018, 128(1): 72-77.

DOI：10.1002/lary.26649

• Peritonsillar abscess
• corticosteroids
• tonsillitis
• steroids
• deep neck abscess

ObjectivesThis study systematically reviews the existing literature on the efficacy of adjuvant corticosteroids in improving clinical outcomes after peritonsillar abscess (PTA) drainage.
Study DesignSystematic review.
MethodsWe performed a literature search of MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and from inception to June 2016. Inclusion criteria included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating adjuvant corticosteroids after PTA drainage. Data were systematically collected on study design, patient demographics, and clinical characteristics. Two independent investigators reviewed all manuscripts and summarized the data.
ResultsThree RCTs comprising 153 patients were included. The results were not pooled due to heterogeneity in the method in which outcomes were measured and reported. The trials also varied on the type of steroid (dexamethasone, methylprednisolone) administered and method of drainage (incision, aspiration). All three RCTs reported statistically significant improvement in body temperature from adjuvant steroid administration compared to placebo. Pain scores, mouth opening, time to painless oral intake, and duration of hospitalization were significantly improved in only one or two of the three RCTs between the steroid and control group. No adverse side effects from steroid administration were reported.
ConclusionsSteroids as an adjunct therapy to the treatment of PTA may result in faster recovery. However, further investigation with larger RCTs and standardized outcomes are warranted.
Level of Evidence1a. Laryngoscope, 128:72-77, 2018

• 出版日期2018-1