| Design | Multicentre double-blind RCT, n=499 |
| Published | 2008 (NEJM) |
| Result | Hydrocortisone did not improve 28-day mortality in septic shock overall, though it accelerated shock reversal. Superinfection rate was higher in the hydrocortisone group. |
| Practice impact | Reinforced that hydrocortisone should not be given routinely to all septic shock patients; reserved for refractory shock or as part of specific protocols. |
Source: The Bottom Line