Meta-analyses have the advantage of providing a
summary effect estimate when there are a number of
methodologically homogenous studies that examine the
same intervention in the same study populations. Fortyfive days after the publication of the Recovery trial, a
meta-analysis of eight randomized trials (7,184
participants) was published, and a corresponding
WHO guideline panel subsequently recommended
systemic corticosteroids in patients with severe and
critical COVID-19 (strong recommendation, based on
moderate certainty evidence).
