Comparison 1. Steroid therapy in first episode: ≥ 3 months versus 2 months.

Outcome or subgroup title	No. of studies	No. of participants	Statistical method	Effect size
1.1 Number with frequent relapses by 12 to 24 months	8	976	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	0.86 [0.71, 1.06]
1.2 Number relapsing by 12 to 24 months	12	1279	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	0.80 [0.68, 0.96]
1.3 Number with frequent relapses by 12 to 24 months: stratified by risk of selection bias	8	976	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	0.86 [0.71, 1.06]
1.3.1 Low risk of selection bias	5	756	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	0.96 [0.83, 1.10]
1.3.2 Unclear or high risk of selection bias	3	220	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	0.45 [0.26, 0.77]
1.4 Number relapsing by 12 to 24 months: stratified by risk of selection bias	12	1279	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	0.80 [0.68, 0.96]
1.4.1 Low risk of selection bias	6	808	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	0.93 [0.81, 1.06]
1.4.2 Unclear or high risk of selection bias	6	471	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	0.69 [0.49, 0.98]
1.5 Adverse events	8		Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	Subtotals only
1.5.1 Psychological disorders	4	456	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	1.00 [0.53, 1.90]
1.5.2 Hypertension	7	548	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	1.78 [0.55, 5.73]
1.5.3 Cushingoid facies	5	547	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	1.12 [0.76, 1.65]
1.5.4 Cataracts/eye disorders	6	623	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	0.41 [0.11, 1.52]
1.5.5 Infections	2	172	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	0.79 [0.53, 1.17]
1.5.6 Retarded growth	4	354	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	0.54 [0.25, 1.18]
1.5.7 Osteoporosis	3	233	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	0.47 [0.06, 3.38]