Comparison 9. High‐dose dexamethasone (12 mg/d or higher) versus low‐dose dexamethasone (6 to 8 mg/d) for hospitalised individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of symptomatic COVID‐19.

Outcome or subgroup title	No. of studies	No. of participants	Statistical method	Effect size
9.1 All‐cause mortality up to 30 days	3	1269	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	0.87 [0.73, 1.04]
9.2 All‐cause mortality up to 120 days	4	1383	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.93 [0.79, 1.08]
9.3 Clinical improvement: discharged alive	1		Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	Totals not selected
9.4 Serious adverse events	2		Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	Totals not selected
9.5 Adverse events	1		Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	Totals not selected
9.6 Hospital‐acquired infections	2		Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	Totals not selected
9.7 Invasive fungal infections	2		Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	Totals not selected