{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Efficacy and Safety of Hydrocortisone, Ascorbic Acid, and Thiamine Combination Therapy for the Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials.
{Author}: Deng J;Zuo QK;Venugopal K;Hung J;Zubair A;Blais S;Porter V;Moskalyk M;Heybati K;
{Journal}: Int Arch Allergy Immunol
{Volume}: 0
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2024 Jun 13
{Factor}: 3.767
{DOI}: 10.1159/000538959
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>This systematic review aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of hydrocortisone, ascorbic acid, and thiamine (HAT) combination therapy in patients with sepsis and septic shock.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>We conducted a database search in MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and CNKI for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing HAT against placebo/standard of care or against hydrocortisone in sepsis/septic shock patients. Outcomes included mortality, ICU/hospital length of stay (LOS), vasopressor durations, mechanical ventilation durations, change in SOFA at 72 h, and adverse events. RCT results were pooled in random-effects meta-analyses. Quality of evidence was assessed using GRADE.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Fifteen RCTs (N = 2,594) were included. At 72 h, HAT reduced SOFA scores from baseline (mean difference [MD] -1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.58 to -0.74, I2 = 0%) compared to placebo/SoC, based on moderate quality of evidence. HAT also reduced the duration of vasopressor use (MD -18.80 h, 95% CI: -23.67 to -13.93, I2 = 64%) compared to placebo/SoC, based on moderate quality of evidence. HAT increased hospital LOS (MD 2.05 days, 95% CI: 0.15-3.95, I2 = 57%) compared to placebo/SoC, based on very low quality of evidence. HAT did not increase incidence of adverse events compared to placebo/SoC.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>HAT appears beneficial in reducing vasopressor use and improving organ function in sepsis/septic shock patients. However, its advantages over hydrocortisone alone remain unclear. Future research should use hydrocortisone comparators and distinguish between sepsis-specific and comorbidity- or care-withdrawal-related mortality.