Corticosteroid-induced myopathy and the respiratory muscles. Report of two cases.
Two women with connective tissue disease developed a characteristic steroid-induced myopathy. Reduced maximal transrespiratory pressures indicated reduced respiratory muscle strength. Gradual steroid dosage tapering resulted in prompt clinical improvement and marked increases in respiratory muscle strength, maximal inspiratory pressure increasing by 33 percent in one patient and by 70 percent in the other. This reversible steroid-induced respiratory muscle weakness may be of great significance in reconsidering long-term steroid therapy in patients with underlying lung disease.
Janssens
S
S
Respiratory Division, Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven, Belgium.
Decramer
M
M
D003240:Connective Tissue Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D003882:Dermatomyositis / Q000188:drug therapy; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D011241:Prednisone / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012132:Respiratory Muscles / Q000187:drug effects*
D011241:Prednisone