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Tailoring treatment of patients with the lung disease COPD

The study found that patients with low risk of exacerbations do not benefit from low to moderate dose inhaled corticosteroids, while high doses are associated with severe side effects. Tailoring treatment according to patient characteristics, such as age and blood cell count, can minimize over- and underuse of inhaled corticosteroids.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeNews article·DateAug 25, 2021

Horizontal transmission can cause severe and persistent eye inflammation

A new study by Tokyo Medical and Dental University clinicians reveals that horizontal transmission is responsible for HTLV-1 uveitis, a severe eye inflammation. The patient was treated with corticosteroids, showing promise in managing the condition, but highlighting the need to consider infection route in diagnosis and treatment.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateApr 27, 2021

New guideline recommendations for the treatment of mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis

The American Gastroenterological Association publishes a new clinical guideline for managing patients with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis. The guidelines recommend the use of oral and topical 5-aminosalicylates, rectal corticosteroids, and oral budesonide to promote high-quality care. However, the use of biologic therapies and imm...

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJan 10, 2019

Disruption in combination inhaled corticosteroid therapy may lead to an increased rate of costly exacerbations and hospitalizations for Medicare patients

A study of 44,832 Medicare patients found that disruption in their regular combination inhaled corticosteroid therapy led to a higher rate of costly exacerbations and hospitalizations. Approximately 45% of patients did not receive an ICS/LABA after a formulary block, potentially impacting symptoms and disease control.

Corticosteroids aid healing -- if the timing is right

A new study from Linköping University finds that corticosteroids can improve tendon healing if administered at the correct timing. The research reveals that inflammation must subside before new tissue formation begins. When given after the early inflammatory phase, corticosteroids significantly enhance tendon strength in rats.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 17, 2017

Investigational biologic appears to reduce oral corticosteroid use in severe asthma

A new investigational biologic, benralizumab, has shown promise in reducing the need for adults with severe asthma to take oral corticosteroids. The study found that patients enrolled in either of the benralizumab arms had a significant reduction in prednisone use and annual exacerbation rates compared to those receiving a placebo.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 22, 2017

Study demonstrates ability to preserve long-term vision for severe patients with uveitis

A study published in JAMA found that systemic therapy with oral corticosteroids and immunosuppression can preserve or improve vision in the long term, better than regional implant therapy, for patients with severe uveitis. The treatment approach showed fewer ocular side effects and no significant increase in systemic side effects.

A breath of fresh air for severe asthma research

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital reveals that natural killer cells in patients with severe asthma are disabled from resolving inflammation, leading to ineffective corticosteroid treatment. Researchers also identified lipoxins as a potential therapeutic approach, as they preserve NK cell pro-resolving functions.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Immunology·DateMar 10, 2017

Not all Europeans receive the same care for Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Researchers found substantial inequities in care practices for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients across seven European countries. The standard of care for DMD typically includes corticosteroid medication, physiotherapy, regular echocardiograms, and regular check-ups, but adherence to guidelines was low, particularly among non-...

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Neuromuscular Diseases·DateJan 3, 2017

Childhood asthma overdiagnosed, argue leading respiratory doctors

Asthma diagnosis has swung too far in the opposite direction, with inhalers prescribed for unnecessary reasons due to side effects such as growth suppression and increased risk of respiratory infections. Key findings highlight the need for accurate diagnosis using breathing tests and objective documentation.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateApr 5, 2016