Effect of systemic glucocorticoids on exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Article Abstract:

Corticosteroids appear to have a moderate benefit when used to treat exacerbations of chronic obstruction pulmonary disease (COPD) but the effect does not last long. Researchers randomly assigned 271 hospital patients with COPD exacerbations to receive placebo, two weeks of intravenous and oral methylprednisolone, or eight weeks of intravenous and oral methylprednisolone. Those who received methylprednisolone had shorter hospital stays and better lung function. However, six months later there was no difference in lung function among all three groups. Those who received methylprednisolone were more likely to develop elevated blood sugar levels.

Evaluation, Methylprednisolone

---

Systemic corticosteroids for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Article Abstract:

Doctors should consider giving corticosteroid drugs for 10 days to all patients hospitalized with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a study published in 2003. An acute exacerbation of any disease means the symptoms become worse than normal in a short period of time. Corticosteroid drugs have serious side effects and probably should not be taken for long periods of time.

Editorial, Corticosteroids, Adrenocortical hormones, Corticosteroid drugs

---

The diagnosis and treatment of cough

Article Abstract:

Colds, hay-fever, sinusitis, chronic obstructive lung disease, and whooping cough are the most common causes of cough. A persistent cough is commonly caused by asthma, post-nasal drip syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux. The diagnosis and management of cough is reviewed.

Diagnosis, Cough

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Hospital and 1-year survival of patients admitted to intensive care units with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Abstracts: The management of exacerbations of acute asthma in primary care. Review of the new asthma guidelines
• Abstracts: Effect of ACAT inhibition on the progression of coronary artherosclerosis. Nitroprusside in critically ill patients with left ventricular dysfunction and aortic stenosis
• Abstracts: Effect of estrogen plus progestin on global cognitive function in postmentopausal women: a randomized controlled trial
• Abstracts: The new medical malpractice crisis. Claims, errors, and compensation payments in medical malpractice litigation

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.