Corticosteroids help in reducing COPD mortality

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and using inhaled corticosteroids face a reduced mortality risk, as per a new study published in the September issue of CHEST, the peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP).

The research revealed that patients who were administered with inhaled corticosteroids within a period of one month of hospital discharge noticed reductions of 25 and 38 percent in terms of all-cause mortality rate and cardiovascular-related deaths in patients using steroids paired with beta-agonists, respectively.

From News-Medical.Net:

Researchers also found a 23 percent reduced risk of death when comparing the effects of inhaled steroids with bronchodilators in patients in the 65+ group. In all cases, the most significant results were found when inhaled corticosteroids were administered within the first 30 days following hospital discharge.

“Our results indicate that the effect of inhaled corticosteroids is relatively short-term and that those currently using it are relatively better protected, ” said Dr. Macie. “Inhaled corticosteroids should be prescribed as soon as clinically indicated. By treating COPD with inhaled corticosteroids, we have the potential to reduce the effect and prolong life.”

“The findings from this study are intriguing for clinicians and point to the need for further research to define the role and mechanisms of the effect of inhaled corticosteroids on both cardiovascular and respiratory mortality,” said W. Michael Alberts, MD, FCCP, President of the ACCP.

Author Christine Macie, MD, FCCP, Cambridge Hospital, Ontario, Canada, said that the study evaluated the effects of corticosteroids and was endorsed by resulting highlighting that survival is longer in patients using inhaled corticosteroids.

Tags: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, corticosteroids, Steroids

You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.