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Severe chronic airflow obstruction: can corticosteroids slow down progression?
European Journal of Respiratory Diseases
|July 1, 1985
Summary
Long-term oral prednisolone treatment for severe Chronic Airflow Obstruction (CAO) showed varied effects on lung function (FEV1). Doses above 7.5 mg/day may slow disease progression in CAO patients.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Clinical Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Severe Chronic Airflow Obstruction (CAO) necessitates long-term management strategies.
- Prognostic studies are crucial for understanding disease progression and treatment efficacy in CAO.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term prognostic impact of oral prednisolone on patients with severe Chronic Airflow Obstruction (CAO).
- To identify patterns of FEV1 decline and their association with prednisolone dosage in CAO.
Main Methods:
- A long-term (14-18 years) prognostic study involving 79 patients with severe CAO (FEV1 < 1000 ml).
- Serial FEV1 measurements were collected, with 65 patients having at least 7 values.
- Patients received initial long-term oral prednisolone treatment (10-15 mg/d), with adjustments due to side effects or introduction of inhaled corticosteroids.
Main Results:
- Three distinct patterns of FEV1 course were observed: no change, initial increase followed by decrease, and linear decrease.
- These patterns were associated with long-term prednisolone use.
- CAO patients receiving oral prednisolone at doses ≤ 7.5 mg/day experienced FEV1 decline, often after a significant delay (6-32 months).
Conclusions:
- Oral prednisolone, at doses exceeding 7.5 mg/day, may potentially slow the progression of severe Chronic Airflow Obstruction (CAO).
- The findings highlight a dose-dependent effect of oral corticosteroids on the long-term prognosis of CAO.