[Role of corticosteroid therapy in non-malignant diseases].
BACKGROUND
As short-term corticosteroid therapy is widely used in clinical practice, it is important to determine its precise indications and limits of use.


BACKGROUND
Duration of short-term corticosteroid therapy is arbitrarily considered to be up to 21 days. Anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative or analgesic actions represent the main pharmacological features of steroids. They are related to the interactions of steroids with cytokines and immune cells. Results of randomized double-blind and uncontrolled clinical studies were included in this review. Furthermore, clearly demonstrated results that were obtained more particularly in neurology, otorhinolaryngology, pneumology, infectious diseases, rheumatologic and traumatic processes are summarized.


CONCLUSIONS
Indications for short-term corticosteroid therapy are well established. However, further clinical studies are required, as current prescription of corticosteroid is still empirical in the management of most diseases.
Vignes
S
S
Service de médecine interne, hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France.
Wechsler
B
B
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010038:Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Place de la corticothérapie brève dans les affections non malignes.