[Glucocorticosteroids in the therapeutic program of status asthmaticus in patients with bronchial asthma]

The therapeutic efficacy of glucocorticosteroids in asthmatic state was studied in 216 asthmatic patients, 17 to 72 years of age (mean age 46.3 years). 141 patients (65.78%) were in the first stage, 57 patients were in the second stage and 18 patients were in the third stage of asthmatic state. The comparative assessment of the results shows that the glucocorticosteroids in high doses are obligatory in the treatment of asthmatic state independently of its stage. The initial dose is 1000-1200 mg of hydrocortisone and up to the 6-th hour a dose of 3000-3500 mg is reached. If the asthmatic state persists the total dose may reach 4000-7000 mg for 34-48 hours. When the asthmatic state is improved the dose is reduced with 25-50%. The use of high doses of glucocorticosteroids improves the outcome of asthmatic state.