COPD Patients to benefit from Inhaled Corticosteroids

As per a new study published in the CHEST, a peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Chest Physicians, COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) patients using inhaled corticosteroids are believed to have a decreased mortality risk than who do not use them.

The survival is longer in patients with COPD who make use of inhaled corticosteroids, as per Christine Macie, MD, FCCP, Cambridge Hospital, Ontario, Canada and author of this study.

From Bio-medicine.org:

“Our results indicate that the effect of inhaled corticosteroids is relatively short-term and that those currently using it are relatively better protected, ” said Dr. Macie. “Inhaled corticosteroids should be prescribed as soon as clinically indicated. By treating COPD with inhaled corticosteroids, we have the potential to reduce the effect and prolong life.”

“The findings from this study are intriguing for clinicians and point to the need for further research to define the role and mechanisms of the effect of inhaled corticosteroids on both cardiovascular and respiratory mortality,” said W. Michael Alberts, MD, FCCP, President of the ACCP.

During the study, it was found that COPD patients being administered with inhaled corticosteroids within 30 days of their hospital discharge had a 25 percent reduced all-cause mortality rate. In addition to that, cardiovascular related mortality reduced by as much as 38 percent in COPD patients using corticosteroids in pair with beta-agonists.

Dr. Macie also said that COPD Patients making use of inhaled corticosteroids are relatively better protected than those who are not making a use of it.