Table 3 Univariable and multivariable survival models for time to organ support removal and overall survival on day 28

 Hydrocortisone vs. placebo

1.35 (0.93–1.92)

0.11

0.82 (0.47–1.43)

0.49

 APACHE II score: <25 vs. ≥25

1.46 (0.97–2.18)

0.066

0.39 (0.22–0.69)

0.0011

 Lung Injury Score: <2.5 vs. ≥2.5

1.57 (1.08–2.30)

0.019

0.71 (0.40–1.24)

0.23

 Vasopressor-dependent shock: absent vs. present

1.63 (1.09–2.45)

0.018

0.46 (0.19–1.07)

0.071

 ARDS severity: mild vs. moderate to severe

0.79 (0.54–1.16)

0.23

1.54 (0.81–2.96)

0.19

 Number of comorbidities: ≤2 vs. >2

0.95 (0.64–1.40)

0.79

1.25 (0.71–2.19)

0.44

 Source of infection: pneumonia vs. extrapulmonary source

1.09 (0.64–1.85)

0.75

0.90 (0.51–1.58)

0.71

 Age: ≤65 years vs. >65 years

1.40 (0.97–2.02)

0.071

1.33 (0.76–2.35)

0.32

 Diabetes mellitus: no vs. yes

0.95 (0.64–1.40)

0.79

1.66 (0.84–3.28)

0.18

 Hyperglycemia: no vs. yes

0.97 (0.66–1.42)

0.8

1.37 (0.67–2.80)

0.45

 Hydrocortisone vs. placebo

1.35 (0.93–1.96)

0.107

0.80 (0.46–1.41)

0.44

 APACHE II score: <25 vs. ≥25

0.42 (0.24–0.75)

0.003

 Vasopressor-dependent shock: absent vs. present

1.562 (1.04–2.35)

0.032

0.55 (0.23–1.29)

0.17^a

 Lung Injury Score: <2.5 vs. ≥2.5

1.633 (1.11–2.4)

0.012