Faculty Collaboration Database

Oral versus repository corticosteroid therapy after hospitalization for treatment of asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1995 Jan;95(1 Pt 1):15-22

Date

01/01/1995

Pubmed ID

7822659

DOI

10.1016/s0091-6749(95)70147-8

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0028798325 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   12 Citations

Abstract

Tapering regimens of oral steroids may be difficult or confusing for some patients. Repository steroids have been shown to be as effective as tapering oral doses in preventing relapse after emergency treatment. This study was undertaken to determine whether repository steroids are as effective as tapering oral steroids in preventing relapse after hospitalization for treatment of asthma. Twenty-six patients with acute exacerbations of asthma requiring treatment for 24 to 72 hours with parenteral steroids were randomized into two groups. Both groups received oral prednisone, 60 mg daily, when parenteral steroids were discontinued. At discharge, one group received intramuscular placebo and oral prednisone tapered over 8 days, and the other received 80 mg intramuscular methylprednisolone sodium acetate and oral placebo. At discharge and 2-week follow-up, patients were interviewed and examined, and spirometry results were obtained. There was little difference between groups in ratings of symptoms at discharge or follow-up. Both groups had less wheezing at follow-up than at discharge, though the improvement was significant only in the repository steroid group (p < 0.05). Mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced vital capacity, peak expiratory flow rate improved at follow-up in both groups. No significant differences in outcome were found between the oral and repository steroid groups.

Author List

Green SS, Lamb GC, Schmitt S, Kaufman J

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Acute Disease
Administration, Oral
Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Adult
Aged
Asthma
Chi-Square Distribution
Confidence Intervals
Delayed-Action Preparations
Double-Blind Method
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Injections, Intramuscular
Male
Middle Aged
Recurrence