title: Corticosteroid therapy and respiratory muscle function in humans.
abstract: We examined the effects of prednisone administration on respiratory muscle function in humans using a double-blind study with a placebo control group. A total of 16 normal subjects were randomized to receive 20 mg prednisone daily (n = 8) or placebo daily (n = 8) for 2 wk. Inspiratory muscle strength (Pimax), expiratory muscle strength (PEmax), diaphragmatic strength (Pdimax), and inspiratory muscle endurance were measured at the beginning and end of the study. There was no significant change with treatment for Pimax (-145 +/- 7 to -138 +/- 6 cm H2O), PEmax (171 +/- 17 to 169 +/- 14 cm H2O), Pdimax (194 +/- 11 to 196 +/- 12 cm H2O), or endurance (76 +/- 3 to 77 +/- 4%) for the prednisone group and no significant difference between the two groups. We conclude that prednisone in moderate dosage has no significant effect on respiratory muscle function in humans, at least in the short term.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
authors.forename: Y M
authors.initials: YM
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Zintel
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vasquez
authors.forename: C G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Gallagher
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000187:drug effects; D005652:Functional Residual Capacity; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011241:Prednisone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012132:Respiratory Muscles / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D014109:Total Lung Capacity / Q000187:drug effects; D014797:Vital Capacity / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D011241:Prednisone