[Corticosteroid therapy and changes in chest radiogram in five patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship between corticosteroid therapy and kinetic changes in chest X-ray in five patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).


METHODS
With the identical underlying therapy (levofloxacin or ceftriaxone and macrolide), intravenous methylprednisolone was given at 80 mg twice a day in five patients, and its effect on the development of chest radiogram was observed.


RESULTS
Chest X-rays radiogram showed significant changes until peak stage (4-12 days) with the same doses of methylprednisolone, but it was dissolved consistently afterwards.


CONCLUSIONS
It is appeared that corticosteroid therapy has no marked effect on the development of chest radiogram in patients with SARS. It might indicate there is self-limited in course of SARS.
Zhang
Jin
J
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Ningxia Medical College, Ningxia 750004, China.
Yang
Xia
X
Tan
Hai
H
Zheng
Xi-wei
XW
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D009102:Multiple Organ Failure / Q000150:complications; D011859:Radiography; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D045169:Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000635:transmission; D013997:Time Factors
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones