• Statistically significant improvements are seen for mortality, progression, and recovery. 8 studies from 8 independent teams in 7 different countries show statistically significant improvements in isolation (4 for the most serious outcome).
• Meta analysis using the most serious outcome reported shows 30% [16‑42%] improvement. Results are similar for Randomized Controlled Trials, similar after exclusions, and similar for peer-reviewed studies. Early treatment is more effective than late treatment.
• Results are robust — in exclusion sensitivity analysis 8 of 12 studies must be excluded to avoid finding statistically significant efficacy in pooled analysis.
• No treatment, vaccine, or intervention is 100% effective and available. All practical, effective, and safe means should be used based on risk/benefit analysis. Multiple treatments are typically used in combination, and other treatments may be more effective. None of the budesonide studies show zero events with treatment.
• All data to reproduce this paper and sources are in the appendix.
Percentage improvement with budesonide (more) | Early treatment | All studies | Prophylaxis | Studies | Patients | Authors |
All studies | 49% [-617‑96%] | 30% [16‑42%]*** | 28% [12‑41%]** | 12 | 27,682 | 191 |
Randomized Controlled TrialsRCTs | 49% [-617‑96%] | 33% [-38‑67%] | - | 5 | 3,332 | 115 |
Mortality | -200% [-7253‑88%] | 27% [13‑39%]*** | 32% [0‑54%]* | 10 | 20,517 | 162 |
HospitalizationHosp. | 12% [-140‑68%] | 44% [-52‑80%] | - | 2 | 1,578 | 41 |
Covid Analysis et al., Jun 2023, preprint, 1 author.