title: Systemic corticosteroids for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: benefits and risks.
abstract: Systemic corticosteroids have become an increasingly common therapy for patients with stable and unstable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), despite uncertain clinical efficacy and known adverse effects. A recently completed, large clinical trial has confirmed that systemic corticosteroids hasten recovery from exacerbations of COPD. Maximum benefits occur with only 2 weeks of therapy. The appropriate role of systemic corticosteroids in stable COPD has not been adequately defined. Prolonged therapy with systemic corticosteroids confers a large risk for developing osteoporotic fractures. Measures for reducing this risk are described.
authors.affiliation: Pulmonary Section, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA.
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Niewoehner
mesh_terms: D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids