HIV and AIDS.

DATA SYNTHESIS: Results of the study analysis support the use of systemic corticosteroids as early adjunctive therapy for AIDS patients with moderate-to-severe PCP who have an initial arterial oxygen partial pressure of <70 mm Hg or an alveolar-arterial gradient>35 mm Hg on room air. Improved outcomes included decreased mortality, respiratory failure, and deterioration of oxygenation. Data evaluated have shown that adjuvant corticosteroid therapy is most effective when initiated within 72 hours of beginning specific antipneumocystis therapy. A small, but sometimes significant, increased rate of infection in steroid-treated patients was noted.