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Results

The literature search identified 712 studies, 12 of which met the inclusion criteria for full-text review. Four studies were excluded (duplicate study, no placebo group, hospitalized patients, no randomization of participants). In the 8 included randomized controlled trials, 743 total patients (369 children and 374 adults) were included from emergency departments or general practice settings in 4 countries: United States, Canada, Israel, and Turkey. Exudative sore throat was reported for 47%(348) and group A b-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) was positive for 44%(330). Corticosteroids included prednisone (60 mg), dexamethasone (up to 10 mg), and betamethasone (8 mg); routes of administration included oral, intramuscular, or both. Six trials were single dose, whereas 2 trials were multidose. All studies allowed antibiotics to be administered to both steroid and placebo groups, with only 1 trial limiting …