Articles tagged with Corticosteroids
A 22-year-old woman, recently undergoing chemotherapy for Hodgkin's disease, survives severe swine-flu infection after receiving unlicensed intravenous Relenza treatment in combination with corticosteroids. Her condition improved significantly within 48 hours, and she was discharged after 24 days in ICU.
A systematic review of 18 studies found corticosteroids alone reduce unsatisfactory recovery by 9%, while combined therapy with antiviral agents may offer a 5% absolute risk reduction. Corticosteroids are also associated with reduced synkinesis and autonomic dysfunction.
A new study published in The Lancet found that using inhaled corticosteroid budesonide to treat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) does not significantly increase the risk of pneumonia. Data from over 7,000 patients showed a low incidence of pneumonia and no significant difference between treatment groups.
Researchers found corticosteroid injections effective in treating vocal fold polyps, with 91% response rate after one month. The procedure avoids surgical risks and scar formation, offering an alternative to traditional microlaryngoscopic surgery.
A meta-analysis of published studies on Bell's palsy found no improved recovery with corticosteroids and antiviral combination therapy. Facial motor function recovery was not significantly different between the two groups.
Researchers discovered that corticosteroids reduce allergic inflammation by inhibiting the nuclear translocation of GATA-3, a key regulator of cytokine expression. This finding may lead to new treatments for allergic diseases, targeting interaction between phosphorylated GATA-3 and importin-α.
The LUMINATE trials demonstrate the ability of LX211 to significantly improve chronic eye inflammation in patients with uveitis. The study results also show a safety profile for LX211, allowing it to be suitable for chronic use as the first oral treatment for this sight-threatening inflammatory eye disease.
New research finds that long-term use of inhaled corticosteroid drugs increases the risk of pneumonia in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Analysis of 18 randomized clinical trials showed a significant association between corticosteroid inhaler use and pneumonia, with nearly one in every 47 patients developing...
A recent study found that multiple antenatal steroid courses do not improve preterm birth outcomes and can decrease baby size. Infants exposed to multiple doses of corticosteroids weighed less at birth than those exposed to placebo.
Researchers found that inhaled corticosteroid drugs increase the risk of pneumonia by a full third in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study suggests that the treatment may be more harmful and pose a greater risk to some individuals, particularly those with weakened immune systems.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that obese adults with asthma are nearly five times more likely to be hospitalized for their condition. The study controlled for various risk factors and found that obese people with asthma have significantly worse asthma control and lower quality of life.
AstraZeneca has submitted a sNDA for Symbicort, a combination of budesonide and formoterol, for the treatment of asthma in pediatric patients aged 6 to 11 years old. The medication is currently approved for patients 12 years and older.
A database review of 101,832 critically ill patients found that ICU patients managed by critical care specialists had higher mortality rates. In contrast, a review of 66 trials on salmeterol added to inhaled corticosteroids for asthma did not alter the risk for asthma-related hospitalizations or deaths.
A new study found that patients receiving budesonide/formoterol combination therapy reported significantly greater satisfaction with symptom relief, dosing management, and timeliness of medication effects. In contrast, patients treated with fluticasone/salmeterol combination therapy experienced lower levels of satisfaction in these areas.
A new study analyzed SYMBICORT in children with persistent asthma, showing significant improvements in nighttime symptoms, rescue medication use, and lung function. The results indicate that SYMBICORT is effective for treating mild to moderate persistent asthma in children aged 6-15.
A study published in JAMA found that corticosteroids do not reduce the risk of death or shorten hospital stays for children with bacterial meningitis. The study included over 2,700 children treated for bacterial meningitis and analyzed their outcomes after receiving or not receiving corticosteroid therapy.
A large multicenter study found that corticosteroids do not reduce mortality or hospital stays in children with bacterial meningitis. The study analyzed medical records of 2,780 children and showed no significant difference in outcomes between those who received and did not receive corticosteroids.
Researchers found that combined immunosuppression therapy was more effective than conventional treatment in inducing remission and reducing corticosteroid use in patients with newly diagnosed Crohn's disease. The study showed that early intensive treatment could lead to better outcomes, with higher remission rates at weeks 26 and 52.
A recent study found that gadolinium-containing contrast agents can cause allergic-like reactions in premedicated patients, including children and adults. Pre-medication with corticosteroids and antihistamines may not completely eliminate the risk of breakthrough reactions.
A new study found that inhaled corticosteroids can significantly reduce respiratory symptoms and improve lung function in NYC firefighters two years after the World Trade Center collapse. The treatment was found to be effective in preventing asthma-like illnesses and improving quality of life among firefighters.
Research found that studies funded by pharmaceutical companies were less likely to report adverse effects of inhaled corticosteroids, suggesting a potential conflict of interest. The study analyzed 504 studies and found significant differences in outcomes based on funding source.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that multiple corticosteroid injections in pregnant women are linked to an increased rate of cerebral palsy among children. The study suggests that exposure to repeat courses should be limited to minimize this risk.
A multi-center study found that repeated courses of steroids given to premature babies may increase the risk of cerebral palsy. The study, led by Dr. Ronald Wapner, followed 556 infants and found that six out of 248 who received multiple steroid courses had been diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
A new study reveals that COPD patients prescribed inhaled corticosteroids are at a significant 70% increase in the risk of being hospitalized for pneumonia. The risk is even higher for the severest cases leading to death within 30 days of hospitalization.
Two studies found infliximab ineffective in managing giant-cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica, highlighting steroid treatment as the standard approach for these chronic conditions.
A new oral corticosteroid therapy has significantly reduced deaths from gastrointestinal graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD) in stem-cell transplant patients. The treatment, which includes a reformulated version of beclomethasone dipropionate, kept GVHD in remission and allowed patients to taper off high-dose prednisone therapy.
A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that combining a long-acting bronchodilator with an inhaled corticosteroid reduced exacerbations by 35% in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The treatment was well-tolerated, but raised concerns about potential sys...
Researchers found that short-term application of topical corticosteroids followed by maintenance treatment with a less potent agent can effectively manage intertriginous psoriasis. The study also showed that 0.1 percent betamethasone was more effective than 1 percent pimecrolimus in reducing symptoms.
The Mayo Clinic has discovered an asthma diagnostic test that can accurately predict a patient's response to inhaled corticosteroids for chronic cough. The exhaled nitric oxide test measures inflammation in the lungs' bronchial tubes, showing promise as a more accurate and efficient alternative to methacholine challenge testing.
University of Iowa experts are warning that a commonly prescribed asthma medication combination can be deadly for certain patients. The long-acting asthma drug salmeterol used in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid can worsen asthma symptoms for those who do not need the combination, leading to life-threatening problems.
A national trial found that removing steroids from kidney transplant patients after seven days can minimize the risk of organ rejection while reducing negative side effects. Patients on short-term steroids experienced significantly less cardiovascular risk, including cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and weight gain.
A literature review provides evidence-based recommendations on treating severe asthma exacerbations with oral corticosteroids and questioning the practice of doubling ICS doses. The review also explores increasing ICS to high doses as an alternative to OCS.
Researchers found that stopping inhaled corticosteroids in cystic fibrosis patients had no significant increase in lung-related adverse effects. The study showed that replacing the medication with a placebo was safe for most patients, suggesting that it may be possible to lower drug burden and reduce side effects.
A study found that repeat doses of prenatal corticosteroids can reduce respiratory distress syndrome and severe lung disease in premature babies. The treatment also showed fewer need for oxygen therapy and help with breathing.
Researchers found that inhaled corticosteroids reduced asthma symptoms in young children, but did not prevent the development of chronic asthma. The study suggested that early treatment with inhaled corticosteroids may slow the growth of children at risk for asthma-related problems.
A large cohort study found that patients taking high-dose corticosteroids are at increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Corticosteroids may affect heart function by altering potassium balance and causing fluid retention, leading to high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.
The FDA has granted a priority review of REMICADE for the treatment of children with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease. In the REACH trial, nearly 90% of pediatric patients achieved clinical response at week 10 and over half were in clinical remission at one year.
A study found that corticosteroids in the trauma intensive care unit are associated with a higher risk of pneumonia, bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections, prolonged ICU stays, and increased mortality rates. The use of corticosteroids for conditions not widely studied also resulted in significant additional costs.
Long-term Phase 3 data from ACT 1 and ACT 2 trials demonstrate REMICADE's efficacy in achieving clinical response, clinical remission, and mucosal healing in UC patients. Approximately two-thirds of patients treated with REMICADE achieved the primary endpoint of clinical response.
Systemic corticosteroid therapy was used in 44.7% of patients with infectious mononucleosis, exceeding traditional indications. Factors associated with increased use include repeat visits and otolaryngology consultations.
A study in children with moderate to severe allergic asthma found that measuring nitric oxide levels in the breath can determine the most effective inhaled corticosteroid dose. The results showed a significant reduction in inflammation level compared to symptom-based treatment. Additionally, an increase in a specific stem cell subtype ...
The CRASH trial found that corticosteroids increased the risk of death at two weeks compared to a placebo. The study also showed higher risks of death or severe disability in the corticosteroid group than in the placebo group. Corticosteroids are widely used to treat head injuries, but this practice may be harmful.
A national population-based study of 16,036 lung cancer patients found that Hispanics with curable stage I lung cancer had poorer lung cancer specific survival rates and worse all-cause mortality than white persons. This disparity was largely explained by lower surgical resection rates among Hispanics and a higher probability of being ...
Researchers found that adding a fish oil, soluble fiber, and antioxidant supplement to standard medical therapy significantly reduced the dose of corticosteroids needed to control symptoms. The study provides an alternative treatment option for patients with ulcerative colitis.
A retrospective cohort study found that early treatment with nebulized ICS reduced hospitalization rates among young children with asthma. The study evaluated 11,407 patients and showed that those receiving initial therapy had lower exacerbation rates.
Researchers found specific differences in responses to inhaled corticosteroids and leukotriene receptor antagonists in children. Children with low pulmonary function and elevated allergic inflammation responded better to inhaled corticosteroids.
The new guidelines recommend a stepwise approach to asthma care, monitoring medication intensity based on severity. Asthma exacerbations during pregnancy pose risks to both mother and fetus, highlighting the importance of asthma management.
The American Academy of Neurology has issued a new guideline recommending the use of corticosteroids, such as prednisone and deflazacort, to slow muscle deterioration in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. These medications have been shown to improve muscle strength and function.
A study of high-risk asthma patients shows that hospitalization can lead to a rapid decrease in prescribed medication use. Another study finds that inhaled corticosteroids may contribute to reduced bone density, particularly in individuals with COPD. Researchers also identify occupational exposure to insecticides and moldy environments...
A large international study has found that anti-inflammatory drugs commonly used to treat severe head injuries can increase the risk of death by up to 20% within two weeks. The CRASH trial recruited over 20,000 patients from 49 countries and concluded that these drugs should not be used routinely to treat head injury
The American Thoracic Society has published a revised statement on diagnosing nonmalignant asbestos-related diseases, which includes chronic lung disease, pleural plaques, and airway obstruction. The updated guidance also discusses the diagnosis of asbestos-related pleural disease using chest X-rays.
A Phase III maintenance trial of natalizumab found sustained clinical response and remission rates among patients with Crohn's disease. The study also showed that a majority of patients on corticosteroids were able to withdraw from the medication without losing their response.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that doubling the dose of inhaled corticosteroid before a severe asthma attack does not provide additional benefits. The research involved 390 patients who monitored their asthma for up to one year and received either an extra inhaler or placebo when control deteriorated.
Researchers found that patients treated with corticosteroids plus interferon alfacon-1 experienced faster resolution of chest x-ray abnormalities and improved oxygen saturation levels compared to those treated with corticosteroids alone. This suggests that combination therapy may be a promising approach for treating SARS.
Researchers found no significant effect of inhaled corticosteroid use on COPD mortality, hospitalizations, or exacerbations. An ultrasound-based screening strategy for critically ill patients with femoral catheters could add to quality-adjusted life expectancy and prevent pulmonary embolism.
A study published in the April 2003 Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that asthma hospital visits doubled between 1978 and 1990, but stabilized afterwards. Controller medication use increased, particularly inhaled corticosteroids, while reliever medication use decreased. The data suggests that asthma treatment is becomin...
A large study found a dose-related increase in hip fracture risk among older persons using inhaled corticosteroids. High-frequency oscillation ventilation improved lung function in very low birth weight babies, reducing airway damage and improving outcomes.
A study found that Advair Diskus can reduce inhaled corticosteroid doses by 60% without compromising asthma control. The treatment, which combines an inhaled long-acting bronchodilator and corticosteroid, was shown to improve pulmonary function, symptom-free days, and albuterol use in patients requiring higher doses of corticosteroids.
Exposure to inhaled corticosteroids was associated with a decreased risk of death and longer survival in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ICS plus salmeterol combination showed significant reduction in mortality risk.
The new guidelines stress the importance of inhaled corticosteroids for controlling and preventing asthma symptoms. The update also highlights the need for further research on combination therapy, particularly in young children.