Purpura and dermal thinning associated with high dose inhaled corticosteroids.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of high dose inhaled corticosteroids on skin.


METHODS
Cross sectional study of patients receiving treatment for chest diseases.


METHODS
Outpatient chest clinic in a teaching hospital.


METHODS
68 Patients divided into four groups of similar age--namely, 15 receiving long term oral prednisolone, 21 receiving high dose inhaled corticosteroids, 15 receiving low dose inhaled corticosteroids, and 17 controls.


METHODS
Skin thickness at three sites measured by A scan ultrasound and clinical assessment of purpura.


RESULTS
Compared with controls patients in both the oral prednisolone treated group and the high dose inhaled corticosteroid treated group had significantly thinner skin at all three sites (group median thicknesses: prednisolone treated group 28-33% less than controls; high dose inhaled corticosteroid treated group 15-19% less than controls). Differences in skin thicknesses between the low dose inhaled corticosteroid treated group and the controls were trivial. The prevalence of purpura was significantly greater in patients receiving oral prednisolone (12/15 patients) and high dose inhaled corticosteroids (10/21) than in controls (2/17).


CONCLUSIONS
Skin thinning and purpura represent further evidence of systemic effects of high dose inhaled corticosteroids.
Capewell
S
S
Department of Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases, University of Wales College of Medicine, Llandough Hospital, Cardiff, South Glamorgan.
Reynolds
S
S
Shuttleworth
D
D
Edwards
C
C
Finlay
A Y
AY
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001284:Atrophy / Q000139:chemically induced; D001507:Beclomethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D011693:Purpura / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*
D011239:Prednisolone; D001507:Beclomethasone