Rate of improvement of pulmonary function in sarcoidosis during treatment with corticosteroids

Serial measurements of vital capacity were obtained in 11 patients with impaired pulmonary function due to sarcoidosis during 12 courses of corticosteroid treatment. Vital capacity improved promptly and approached a maximum value in about three weeks. A three week trial is probably sufficient to show whether or not corticosteroids are effective in a patient with sarcoidosis.