Elizabeth C. Whipple

Rationale: Peri-extubation corticosteroids are commonly used in children to prevent upper airway obstruction (UAO). However, the best timing and dose combination of corticosteroids is unknown. Methods: MEDLINE, CINAHL and Embase search identified randomized trials in children using corticosteroids to prevent UAO. All studies used dexamethasone. The studies were categorized based on timing of initiation of dexamethasone (early use: >12 hours prior to extubation) and the dose (high dose: (>/= 0.5 mg/kg/dose)). We performed Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) with studies grouped into four regimens- High dose, Early use (HE); Low dose, Early use (LE); High dose, Late use (HL) and Low dose, Late use (LL).