[Signs of steroid myopathy in a group of patients with asthma undergoing continuous steroid therapy]

The 35 patients with bronchial asthma undergoing continuous steroid therapy were examined in order to reveal any signs of steroid myopathy. More than 80% of patients complained of muscle weakness. In the physical examination the motor function was correct in the majority of patients. Muscular enzymes and blood electrolytes were normal. EMG has shown typical myopathic changes In over 80% of patients. The diagnosis of subclinical steroid myopathy was based mainly on EMG examination. This myopathy was independent of sex, age, dose an duration of therapy.