Trials of steroids in patients with chronic airflow obstruction.
Any patient with severe chronic airflow obstruction unresponsive to maximal bronchodilator therapy is worthy of a trial of steroids. This should consist of 30-40 mg prednisolone daily for two weeks, preceded by an adequate observation period and 1-2 weeks' treatment with placebo. Assessment of response should depend on symptoms, peak flow recordings and clinic spirometry. Only if there is substantial (greater than or equal to 15%) improvement should steroids be continued, preferably in the inhaled form or otherwise at the lowest oral dose that maintains improvement.
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation / Q000187:drug effects; D012107:Research Design
D011239:Prednisolone