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Updated: Jan 7, 2026
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Characterization of Immune Cells and Proinflammatory Mediators in the Pulmonary Environment
Published on: June 24, 2020
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Pulmonary Infections in Patients Receiving Corticosteroids and Other Immunomodulators.
Emily S Hartman1, Rodrigo Cavallazzi2
1Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, United States.
Seminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|December 31, 2025
Summary
The increasing use of immunosuppressants like corticosteroids and biologics raises pneumonia risk. This review examines pneumonia in patients on these therapies, covering causes, presentation, and management.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Rising prevalence of immunosuppression due to medical advances and new therapies.
- Approximately 3% of the population uses systemic corticosteroids annually.
- Growing use of immunomodulatory agents (biologics, small molecules) impacts immune function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature on pneumonia risk in patients using chronic systemic corticosteroids and immunomodulating agents.
- To analyze the impact of these therapies on pneumonia incidence, microbiology, and outcomes.
- To discuss clinical manifestations and management strategies for pneumonia in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Literature assessment of studies on pneumonia risk associated with immunosuppressive therapies.
- Focus on chronic systemic corticosteroid therapy, biologics, and small molecules.
- Consideration of dose, duration, indication, and underlying conditions.
Main Results:
- Chronic corticosteroid therapy is a significant cause of immunosuppression leading to pneumonia.
- Immunomodulating agents have varied effects, requiring individual assessment.
- Pneumonia in these patients presents unique microbiological and clinical challenges.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the specific risks associated with different immunosuppressive agents is crucial.
- Individualized patient assessment considering medication details and underlying conditions is necessary.
- Effective management strategies are needed for pneumonia in immunosuppressed patients.
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