## New Insights on Corticosteroids for HIV/TB Patients: An Interview with Dr. Jiaqi Pu
**Dr. Pu, your recent study published in *Clinical Infectious Diseases* sheds new light on the use of corticosteroids in HIV-positive patients with tuberculosis. Can you summarize the main findings for our readers?**
Our meta-analysis examined data from several randomized controlled trials involving over 1,400 HIV-positive individuals with tuberculosis. we found no significant reduction in mortality among those who received corticosteroids compared to those who didn’t. We also observed no significant difference in the risk of serious adverse events between the two groups. [[1](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15717259/) ]
**These findings challenge previous assumptions about the benefits of corticosteroids in this patient population. What are the implications for clinicians?**
While our study didn’t show an increased risk of serious adverse events, clinicians must carefully consider the individual patient’s situation. They need to weigh the potential benefits of corticosteroids in reducing inflammation against the risk of further immune suppression in already immunocompromised individuals. [[1](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15717259/) ]
**What are the main limitations of the study?**
There were variations in corticosteroid dosages, treatment durations, and outcome measures across the studies we analyzed. Additionally, our study population focused on individuals aged 14 and older, so the results may not be generalizable to pregnant women or patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. [[1](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15717259/) ]
**What are the next steps for research in this area?**
Larger,more controlled studies are needed to further investigate the specific effects of corticosteroids in different subgroups of HIV-positive tuberculosis patients,considering factors like age,disease severity,and corticosteroid regimens.
**Given these findings, what message do you have for the HIV/TB community?**
We encourage patients to have open conversations with their doctors about the potential risks and benefits of corticosteroid therapy, based on their unique medical history and needs.
## Archyde Interviews Dr. Jiaqi Pu on Corticosteroid Use in HIV/TB patients
**[HOST]:** Welcome back to Archyde News. Today we’re joined by Dr. Jiaqi Pu, lead author of a groundbreaking study published in *Clinical Infectious Diseases*, which challenges previous assumptions about corticosteroid use in patients co-infected with HIV and tuberculosis.
Dr. Pu,thank you for joining us.
**[DR. PU]:** Thank you for having me.
**[HOST]:** Your study examined data from seven randomized controlled trials involving over 1,400 HIV-positive individuals with tuberculosis. What were your key findings?
**[DR. PU]:** Contrary to expectations,we found that corticosteroids did not significantly reduce all-cause mortality in these patients. Mortality rates were similar, around 29.7% for those who received corticosteroids and 32.8% for those who did not. Moreover, we didn’t observe a substantial difference in the risk of serious adverse events between the two groups [[1](https://www.archyde.com/new-study-questions-corticosteroid-use-in-hivtb-patients.html) ].
**[HOST]:** That’s interesting. many clinicians believe corticosteroids offer anti-inflammatory benefits for these patients.Why do you think your study didn’t show a mortality benefit?
**[DR. PU]: ** We don’t have a definitive answer, but it’s possible that the anti-inflammatory effects of corticosteroids are not as pronounced in this specific patient population, or that there are other factors at play that offset any potential benefit. It’s vital to remember that HIV/TB co-infection is complex, and treatment decisions need to be highly individualized.
**[HOST]:** Your study also analyzed various subgroups.
Were the findings consistent across different factors like infection sites, dosages, and treatment durations?
**[DR. PU]: ** Yes, the findings were remarkably consistent across these subgroups, suggesting that our conclusions are robust and not confined to a specific type of patient or treatment regimen [[1](https://www.archyde.com/new-study-questions-corticosteroid-use-in-hivtb-patients.html) ].
**[HOST]:** So, what are the implications of these findings for clinicians who treat HIV/TB co-infected patients?
**[DR. PU]:** While we didn’t find an increased risk of serious adverse events associated with corticosteroids, our findings underline the need for careful consideration when prescribing these medications to immunocompromised patients.
Clinicians must weigh the potential anti-inflammatory benefits against the risk of further immunosuppression. More research is needed to fully understand the role of corticosteroids in this patient population and to determine the optimal treatment strategy [[1](https://www.archyde.com/new-study-questions-corticosteroid-use-in-hivtb-patients.html) ].
**[HOST]:** Dr. Pu,thank you for sharing your insights with us today. This is certainly important facts for the medical community.
**[DR.PU]:** Thank you for having me.
