Clinical properties of community-acquired pneumonia in patients with asthma]

PURPOSE: Many reports were found on the clinical properties of community-acquired pneumonia. The clinical properties of community-acquired pneumonia in patients with asthma have not been elucidated, and we therefore investigated such properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Asthmatic patients who required hospitalization for community-acquired pneumonia from the beginning of 1989 through the end of 2001 were enrolled in this study. We performed the study in a retrospective manner. Patients were divided into two groups based on severity of their asthma (mild to moderate asthma vs severe asthma), and we studied the clinical properties of the pneumonia. RESULT: No significant difference was seen in body temperature, white blood cell counts, or CRP value on admission between the two groups. No significant difference was seen in the resolving period of the pneumonia. The frequency of common pathogens (Streptococcus pneumoniae + Haemophilus influenzae) was lower in patients with severe asthma. Asthmatic patients not taking daily oral corticosteroids were divided into two groups based on whether or not they were using a inhaled corticosteroid, and we examined the frequency of pathogendetection. The percentage of common pathogens was almost the same in the two groups. CONCLUSION: The frequency of common pathogens was lower in patients with severe asthma than in those with mild to moderate asthma. This fact is worth considering when empiric therapy for pneumonia is performed in patients with asthma. Inhaled corticosteroid therapy seems to have no influence on the pathogens of pneumonia in patients with asthma.     

Effect of montelukast added to inhaled corticosteroids on fractional exhaled nitric oxide in asthmatic children.

The aim of this prospective, self-controlled, single-blind study was to assess the effect of montelukast added to maintenance therapy with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) on fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) in asthmatic children. Thirty-five children (age 11.2+/-0.4 yrs (mean+/-SEM)) with mild-to-moderate persistent asthma treated with low to medium doses of ICS and FENO > 20 parts per billion (ppb) were included. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups: 17 patients continued ICS (group C) and 18 had montelukast added to ICS for 3 weeks (group M). FENO measurements were performed in both groups at baseline (T1) and after 3 weeks (T2), and in group M also after 2 weeks of washout. FENO was measured by a chemiluminescence analyser using an on-line method (50 mL x s(-1)) with nitric oxide-free air. The overall mean daily dose of ICS was equivalent to 530+/-58 microg x day(-1) of beclomethasone in group M and to 564+/-55 microg x day(-1) of beclomethasone in group C. There were no significant differences in baseline FENO and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) between the two groups. After 3 weeks there was a significant reduction of FENO values in patients of group M (T1 52.2+/-7.8 ppb, T2 36.1+/-4.6 ppb) but no significant changes in group C (T1 43.5+/-6.0 ppb, T2 47.8+/-9.4 ppb). In group M after 2 weeks of montelukast withdrawal, FENO rose to baseline values (55.6+/-8.7 ppb). In conclusion, after montelukast treatment there is a fractional exhaled nitric oxide reduction in asthmatic children receiving maintenance therapy with inhaled corticosteroids. This suggests an anti-inflammatory effect of montelukast additive to that of inhaled corticosteroids.     

Does the combination of inhaled steroids with long acting beta2 agonists decrease the risk for osteoporosis? A 1-year prospective follow-up study

Combination of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) with long acting beta2 agonists has been used increasingly in the treatment of moderate—severe asthma, however there is indefinitive data about their effect on bone loss. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of treatment with single ICS and combination of ICS with long acting beta2 agonists (combination therapy) on BMD and biomarkers of bone metabolism in adult patients with asthma over 1 year period. Forty-three patients with asthma were enrolled. Patients were separated into two groups according to their use of asthma drugs: single ICS or combination therapy (ICS plus long-acting inhaled beta2-agonist). Change in bone mineral density (BMD) and biochemical markers of bone metabolism were measured at baseline and at the end of 1 year. Mean ages and basal BMD of patients did not differ between the two groups (P > 0.05). The decrease in BMD was higher in the single ICS group than the combination therapy group, however there was no significant difference between them (P > 0.05). One year change (%) in BMD and biochemical markers of bone metabolism were not different between two groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, use of ICS—in the range of doses used- does not seem to have an effect on the change of BMD. However, our data indicate a nonsignificant trend towards reducing bone loss with the use of combination therapy. Future studies are needed to provide definitive evidence for this trend to allow us suggesting combination therapy for minimizing bone loss.     

A randomized controlled trial of inhaled flunisolide in the management of acute asthma in children

BACKGROUND: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) may provide benefit in the therapy of acute asthma. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that ICS are as effective as oral corticosteroids (OCS) in the management of acute childhood asthma. METHODS: A randomized, masked, placebo-controlled study was conducted in children aged 6 to 16 years seeking emergent care for an acute exacerbation of asthma. Patients were randomized into one of two groups: group 1 (OCS), oral prednisone, 2 mg/kg (maximum of 60 mg/d) for 7 days, and placebo pressurized metered-dose inhaler with valved holding chamber, four inhalations bid; and group 2 (ICS), flunisolide, four inhalations (1 mg) bid for 7 days, and daily placebo tablets. Spirometry (FEV(1)) was performed at baseline, day 3, and day 7 of the study. A symptom diary and twice-daily peak expiratory flow were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 58 subjects receiving ICS (n = 27) or OCS (n = 28) were enrolled. Baseline asthma severity, race, gender, and age were balanced between the two groups. chi(2) showed no significant difference in symptom severity between the two groups at any time during the study. FEV(1) percentage of predicted was lower in the ICS group on day 3 (65% vs 78%, p = 0.03) and on day 7 (77% vs 95%, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: ICS were found to be useful in the management of acute asthma in children; however, spirometry data suggested a more rapid resolution of asthma with OCS.     

Differential flow analysis of exhaled nitric oxide in patients with asthma of differing severity

BACKGROUND: The majority of asthmatic patients achieve control of their illness; others do not. It is therefore crucial to validate/develop strategies that help the clinician monitor the disease, improving the response to treatment. METHODS: We have quantified the inflammation in central and peripheral airways by measuring exhaled nitric oxide (NO) at multiple exhalation flows in 56 asthmatics at different levels of severity (mild, n = 10; moderate stable, n = 17; moderate during exacerbation, n = 11; severe, n = 18, 7 of whom were receiving oral corticosteroids) and 18 healthy control subjects. The reproducibility of the measurement was also assessed. RESULTS: Bronchial NO (Jno) in patients with mild asthma (2,363 +/- 330 pL/s) [mean +/- SD] was higher than in patients with moderate stable asthma (1,300 +/- 59 pL/s, p < 0.0005), in patients with severe asthma receiving inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) [1,015 +/- 67 pL/s, p < 0.0005], and healthy control subjects (721 +/- 22 pL/s, p < 0.0001). There were no differences between Jno in patients with mild asthma compared to patients with severe asthma receiving ICS and oral corticosteroids (2,225 +/- 246 pL/s). Patients with exacerbations showed a higher Jno (3,475 +/- 368.9 pL/s, p < 0.05) compared to the other groups. Alveolar NO was higher in patients with severe asthma receiving oral corticosteroids (3.0 +/- 0.1 parts per billion [ppb], p < 0.0001) than in the other groups but was not significantly higher than in patients with moderate asthma during exacerbation (2.8 +/- 0.3 ppb). No differences were seen in NO diffusion levels between the different asthma groups. All the measurements were highly reproducible and free of day-to-day and diurnal variations. CONCLUSIONS: Differential flow analysis of exhaled NO provides additional information about the site of inflammation in asthma and may be useful in assessing the response of peripheral inflammation to therapy.     

Cross-sectional study of bone density in asthmatic children

The emphasis in treatment of asthma in children has shifted from bronchodilators to inhaled anti-inflammatory medications, including inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Children with chronic asthma and moderate to severe symptoms have been targeted as particularly deserving of maintenance therapy with ICS. We have previously reported a cross-sectional study of bone density in children treated with ICS. There was no significant difference between the total bone density of asthmatic patients and controls. We sought to extend the information available on bone density in asthmatic children by evaluating 15 asthmatic subjects taking daily ICS (beclo-methasone dipropionate) and comparing them with age- and sex-matched controls. We compared total and regional bone density, bone age, and calcium intakes in these subjects. Asthmatic subjects were on ICS for 4–60 months, with doses ranging from 200 to 450 μg/day. There was no significant difference between asthmatics and matched controls for height, weight, % RDA Ca²⁺, or bone age. The asthmatic subjects had bone density (total and regional measurements) equivalent to their controls. These results provide additional support for the safety of low-dose ICS on bone density in asthmatic children. Pediatr Pulmonol. 1995; 20:189–192 . © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

A randomized open-label comparative study of montelukast versus theophylline added to inhaled corticosteroid in asthmatic children.

BACKGROUND: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are widely used in combination with other classes of drugs for treatment of childhood asthma. The efficacy and the safety of montelukast added to low-dose ICS therapy were compared with those of sustained-release theophylline added to low-dose ICS therapy in asthmatic children in the present study. METHODS: Following the 2-week run-in period, 6-to 14-year old patients receiving treatment with ICSs were randomized to treatment for 4 weeks with either montelukast 5 mg once daily or sustained release theophylline 5-8 mg/kg (dry syrup) or 100-200 mg (tablet) twice daily. Patients also received a fixed dose of ICS throughout the run-in and treatment periods. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline in peak expiratory flow (PEF) at Week 2. RESULTS: A significant increase in morning PEF was observed in the add-on montelukast group as compared with the add-on theophylline group at Week 2 (change from baseline of 22.8 L/minvs. 8.7 L/min; p = 0.041 for between-group difference) and at Week 4 (31.0 L/minvs. 9.8 L/min; p = 0.012). A significant increase in evening PEF was observed in the add-on montelukast group as compared with the add-on theophylline group at Week 4 (24.7 L/minvs. 8.7 L/min; p = 0.027). There were no significant differences between the treatment groups in incidences of clinical and laboratory adverse experiences. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that montelukast added to low-dose ICS is an effective and safe option for the treatment of asthma in children.     

Correlation between reversibility of airway obstruction and exhaled nitric oxide levels in children with stable bronchial asthma

Recent trials measuring exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) concentrations have suggested that it may be a useful measure of ongoing airway inflammation in patients with asthma. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between eNO levels and baseline as well as postbronchodilator spirometry, a measurement commonly used in the clinical setting to determine the severity of asthma and as a guide to therapeutic decisions. Forty-nine patients between the ages of 5-16 years with physician-diagnosed asthma who attended the pediatric pulmonary clinic for a routine asthma visit with spirometric evaluation were recruited for the study. eNO levels prior to spirometry were obtained before and after receiving inhaled beta(2) agonist. eNO samples were collected in impermeable bags (Tedlar) and assayed within 24 hr by chemiluminescence. Regression analysis was used to assess the relationships between pre- and postbronchodilator eNO and spirometric variables. eNO was also compared in patients receiving and not receiving inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), as well as those whose therapy had been increased after evaluation by a pediatric pulmonologist or allergist. We found no significant difference between the levels of eNO before and after inhalation of beta(2) agonist (P = 0.60 paired t-test). Positive correlation was found between eNO vs. percentage change in FEV(1) (r = 0.35, P = 0.01) and percentage change in FEF(25-75% )(r = 0.29, P = 0.04). A negative correlation was found between prebronchodilator FEV(1) and eNO (r = -0.29, P = 0.03). Patients on ICS had lower mean eNO levels (29.9 vs. 47.6 parts per billion (ppb), P = 0.053) than those not receiving ICS. Patients whose ICS therapy was increased had higher mean eNO levels (47.2 vs. 26.9 ppb, P = 0.018) than those not having ICS therapy increased. We suggest that eNO levels could be a clinically useful measurement of asthma severity and could be used as an adjunct to spirometry to determine appropriate treatment plans. Longitudinal clinical trials are needed to determine if eNO can enhance therapeutic decisions for asthmatic children.     

Influence of Steroids on Procalcitonin and C-reactive Protein in Patients with COPD and Community-acquired Pneumonia

Abstract Background: The induction of C-reactive Protein (CRP) may be attenuated by corticosteroids, whereas Procalcitonin (PCT) appears to be unaltered. We investigated, whether in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) a combined antibiotic-corticosteroid therapy may actually lead to different slopes of decline of these inflammatory markers. Patients and Methods: We studied the slopes of decline of PCT and CRP serum levels during 7 consecutive days as well as clinical parameters in a group of patients with CAP on or off corticosteroids. Patients with underlying COPD received systemic corticosteroids (n = 10), while non-COPD patients (n = 10) presenting with CAP alone formed the control group. All patients were treated with antibiotics. Results: At baseline, relevant clinical and laboratory characteristics of the two groups were similar. Regarding the decreasing shapes of the curves from PCT and CRP, no significant differences were found (p-value = 0.48 for the groups for CRP, respectively 0.64 for PCT). All patients showed an uneventful recovery. Conclusion: In patients with COPD and CAP, the time courses over 7 days of PCT and CRP showed a nearly parallel decline compared to non-COPD patients with CAP. Contrary to the induction phase, corticosteroids do not modify the time-dependent decay of PCT and CRP when the underlying infectious disease (CAP) is adequately treated.     

支气管哮喘患者吸入性糖皮质激素疗效与基因多态性研究进展

支气管哮喘(简称哮喘)是一种多基因疾病。吸入性糖皮质激素是哮喘治疗的一线药物,但哮喘患者吸入性糖皮质激素的疗效则各有不同,本文就哮喘患者吸入性糖皮质激素疗效与基因多态性关系的研究进展作一综述。     

Increased risk of nontuberculous mycobacterial infection in asthmatic patients using long-term inhaled corticosteroid therapy

Background and objective: The risk of pneumonia is increased among COPD patients using inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). However, there is uncertainty regarding the association between long‐term use of ICS and exacerbations of respiratory tract infections among asthmatic patients. Methods: A case‐control nested cohort study was performed to assess the association of asthma with nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) infection. Results: Among this cohort of 464 asthmatic patients, 14 experienced complications due to NTM infections, of which eight were caused by Mycobacterium avium‐intracellulare complex, three by M. kansasii, one by M. terrae and the remaining two by unclassifiable scotochromogens. Asthmatic patients with NTM infections were older (67.1 ± 8.6 vs 58.8 ± 12.3 years, P < 0.01) and had more severe airflow limitation (FEV₁%, 60.6 ± 10.3 vs 72.3 ± 18.3, P < 0.03) than those without NTM infections. All except one had received ICS treatment for more than 5 years, and 12 of the 14 patients used inhaled fluticasone propionate daily (four patients at a dose of 400 µg/day and eight patients at a dose >800 µg/day). Conclusions: These findings suggest that the risk of NTM infection may be greater in asthmatic patients who are older, have more severe airflow limitation and receive higher doses of ICS therapy.     

Evaluation of switching low-dose inhaled corticosteroid to pranlukast for step-down therapy in well-controlled patients with mild persistent asthma

Objective: Treatment guidelines for asthma recommend step-down therapy for well-controlled asthma patients. However, the precise strategy for step-down therapy has not been well defined. We investigated whether well-controlled patients with mild persistent asthma can tolerate a step-down therapy of either a reduced dose of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) or a switch to a leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA), pranlukast hydrate. Methods: We recruited 40 adult patients with mild persistent asthma who were well-controlled for at least 3 months with a low-dose ICS therapy. The patients were randomly assigned to either an ICS dose reduction or a switch to pranlukast for 6 months. Results: FeNO levels in the pranlukast group were significantly increased over that in the ICS group. There were no significant differences between the two groups for lung function, FOT, at the endpoint. The percentage of patients with controlled asthma was 72.2% in the pranlukast group and 90% in the ICS group. No statistically significant difference between the two groups in the percentages of patients with treatment failure was observed. Conclusions: Patients with mild persistent asthma that is well-controlled by a low dose of ICS can be switched to pranlukast safely for at least 6 months. However, 27.8% of the pranlukast group failed to maintain well-control, and FeNO levels increased with the switch to pranlukast at 6 months. This study was been limited by the small sample size and should therefore be considered preliminary. Further studies are needed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of LTRA monotherapy as a step-down therapy.     

咳嗽变异性哮喘的临床特征及其与典型哮喘的关系

目的分析成年咳嗽变异性哮喘（CVA）患者的临床特征及其发展为哮喘的情况,探讨CVA进展为哮喘的危险因素。方法收集2002年1月至2010年1月于广州呼吸疾病研究所门诊就诊的CVA患者,记录患者的基本临床资料,包括咳嗽时相、咳嗽性质、诱发因素、伴随症状、过敏史、随访情况等。并行肺功能、支气管激发试验/PEF检测、诱导痰细胞学分类、皮肤过敏原点刺试验等检查。所有入选患者年龄≥18岁、符合我国《咳嗽的诊断与治疗指南》中CVA的诊断标准。同时给予规律吸入中等剂量的布地奈德或等效剂量的吸入激素,至少治疗8周。通过门诊及电话随访,若患者出现胸闷、喘息等典型哮喘症状或出现哮鸣音则确认其进展为哮喘,分为单纯CVA组和发展为典型哮喘组（哮喘组）;比较两组患者一般资料及实验室检查情况。结果 91例CVA患者咳嗽时相以夜间或清晨为主的发生率为74.7%,伴变应性鼻炎病史的比例为46.2%;咳嗽的主要诱发因素包括：烟雾63.5%、冷空气51.4%、上呼吸道感染47.3%、灰尘37.8%、咽喉发痒36.5%;CVA患者有74.7%诱导痰中嗜酸粒细胞（EOS）比例〉2.5%。58例患者平均随访4.2（1~8.5）年,其中8例患者（8/58,13.8%）进展为典型哮喘,单纯CVA组患者使用吸入激素时间显著长于哮喘组[12（20）周vs 6（4）周,P〈0.05],8例哮喘组患者中仅1例规律吸入激素12周以上,而其他50例单纯CVA患者中有33例规律吸入激素大于12周,两组比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。单纯CVA组各项肺功能指标、痰EOS%、外周血EOS%、皮肤过敏原点刺试验阳性率与哮喘组比较差异均无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。结论 CVA主要以夜间或清晨咳嗽为临床特征,并有近一半患者合并过敏性鼻炎,长期规范吸入激素治疗可减少CVA患者进展为典型哮喘。     

Superiority of Nebulized Corticosteroids over Dry Powder Inhalers in Certain Patients with Cough Variant Asthma or Cough-Predominant Asthma

Background: The particle distribution might differ between nebulizer therapy and metered-dose inhaler (MDI) or dry powder inhaler (DPI) therapy because the particles repeatedly enter/re-enter the airways with the nebulizer. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) were administered with a nebulizer to assess the benefit of changes in the distribution of particles in patients with cough variant asthma (CVA) and cough-predominant asthma (CPA). Methods: Patients whose symptoms were not controlled by their current therapy were enrolled. In patients receiving high-dose ICS by MDI or DPI (ICS-MDI/DPI), steroid therapy was switched to 1,320μg/day of nebulized dexamethasone (1,600μg as dexamethasone sodium phosphate) (chronic steroid-independent group). In patients receiving systemic steroids regardless of their ICS-MDI/DPI therapy, nebulized dexamethasone was added and any concurrent ICS-MDI/DPI therapy was halted to detect a steroid-sparing effect (chronic steroid-dependent group). In patients with acute exacerbation of CVA or CPA and persistent symptoms despite systemic corticosteroids, nebulized dexamethasone was added to assess its effect (acute group). Results: Superior symptom control was achieved in 10 out of 12 steroid-independent patients, 3 out of 6 steroid-dependent patients, and all 7 acute patients. Conclusions: Delivery of ICS via a nebulizer has advantages over ICS-MDI/DPI in some patients with CVA or CPA.     

Effects of inhaled corticosteroids and inhaled cromolyn sodium on urinary growth hormone excretion in asthmatic children

Over the past few years there has been an increasing awareness that asthma is a chronic inflammatory airways disease. The current therapeutic strategies for treating asthma focus on suppressing the inflammatory process by using cromones or inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). The beneficial effects of ICS in asthma are now well known, but its detrimental effect on linear growth remains a controversial issue. The aim of this open label, nonrandomized, cross-sectional, one-time study was to determine the influence of these drugs on urinary growth hormone (U-GH) levels in prepubertal asthmatic children. U-GH levels were measured in 47 prepubertal asthmatic children who had been treated for at least 6 months with either ICS (beclomethasone or budesonide at a mean daily dose of 360 μg) or with 80 mg daily dose of cromolyn sodium (CrS). There were also nine healthy children who served as a control. These three groups of children were matched for age and gender ratio. The mean level of U-GH in the CrS-treated group was 2.94 ± 0.96 ng/night; this was significantly higher compared to the mean level of the ICS-treated group (1.99 ± 0.83 ng/night; P < 0.001) and to the mean level of the control group (1.98 ± 0.39 ng/night; P < 0.006). There was no significant difference between the mean level of U-GH in the group treated by ICS and the controls (P < 0.9). These results show that the mean levels of U-GH secretion of the children who were treated by CrS for 6 months was significantly increased, compared to the mean U-GH level of the ICS-treated group and the controls. The mean U-GH levels in the last two groups showed no statistically significant difference. Pediatr Pulmonol. 1998; 26:339–343. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

The Anti-inflammatory Effects of Inhaled Corticosteroids versus Anti-leukotrienes on the Lymphocyte P-Glycoprotein (PGP) Expression in Asthmatic Children

Background. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are used in asthma therapy for their anti-inflammatory effects. P-glycoprotein (PGP) is a transmembrane efflux pump for many drugs, including corticosteroids. Expression of PGP is associated with therapy resistant disease. Objective. The purpose of this study was to compare expression levels of PGP in blood lymphocytes of pediatric asthma patients either on ICS or on the leukotriene inhibitor montelukast medication. Patients and Methods. The evaluation of lymphocyte PGP expression was performed on a sample of 99 children (66 boys and 33 girls) aged 2–18 (median 12) years with intermittent or persisting mild asthma, (as defined by GINY 2002). The asthmatic children were divided into 3 groups: (1) treated by ICS budesonide 200–400 μg per day (n = 27) more than 1 year; (2) treated by oral montelukast 4 or 5 mg at an age-based dose (n = 16); and (3) treated by inhaled corticosteroids and montelukast (n = 45). Reference PGP values were obtained from a group of 64 healthy children (23 boys and 29 girls) aged 2–15 years (median, 10 years). The expression of lymphocyte PGP was determined on fixed and permeabilized blood mononuclear cells using indirect immunofluorescence staining technique by flow cytometry modified according to Boer et al., 1997. Results. Based on the weighted medians for PGP expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes, we found a significant difference (p < 10^?3) between the group of asthma patients (n = 99), (619 ± 5.3) and healthy controls (n = 64) (446.9 ± 4.4). Second, there was a lower level of PGP expression in the group treated by ICS (548.6 ± 9) than the group treated by montelukast and montelukast with budesonide (643.2 ± 6.3) (p < 10^?6). Conclusions. The anti-inflammatory activity of ICS is more effective in decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and results in reduced multidrug resistence (MDR-1) gene activity and expression of lymphocyte PGP in asthmatic children.     

Efficacy of Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Community-Acquired Pneumonia Requiring Hospitalization

Background Recent studies suggested that administration of corticosteroids may improve clinical outcomes in patients with severe pneumonia. Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of corticosteroids as an adjunctive therapy in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) requiring hospitalization. Design and Setting An open label, prospective, randomized control study was conducted from September 2003 to February 2004 in a community general hospital in Japan. Patients Thirty-one adult CAP patients who required hospitalization were enrolled. Measurements and Results Fifteen patients received 40 mg of prednisolone intravenously for 3 days (steroid group). Sixteen patients did not receive prednisolone (control group). Both groups were also evaluated for their adrenal function. The primary endpoint was length of hospital stay. Secondary endpoints were duration of intravenous (IV) antibiotics and time required to stabilize vital signs. Both groups demonstrated similar baseline characteristics and length of hospital stay, and yet a shorter duration of IV antibiotics was observed in the steroid group (p < 0.05). In addition, vital signs were stabilized earlier in the steroid group (p < 0.05). These differences were more prominent in the moderate–severe subgroup but not as significant in the mild–moderate subgroup. The prevalence of relative adrenal insufficiency (RAI) in both groups was high (43%), yet there was no difference in baseline characteristics between patients, with or without RAI. In multiple regression models, RAI seemed to have no influence on clinical courses. Conclusions In moderate–severe CAP, administration of corticosteroids promotes resolution of clinical symptoms and reduces the duration of intravenous antibiotic therapy.     

Asthma severity, psychiatric morbidity, and quality of life: correlation with inhaled corticosteroid dose.

OBJECTIVES: Psychiatric phenomena in asthma has been debated for some time. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are a significant part of treatment. We attempted to quantify the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity relative to asthma severity, quality of life (QOL), and ICS dose. DATA SOURCES: Fifty asthmatic patients (18 > or = X < or =75 years) on ICS, attending an urban clinic had asthma and ICS dose stratified by symptom severity and preparation potency. Peak flow and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) were measured. Patients completed general QOL and disease-specific QOL questionnaires, along with psychiatric rating scales. RESULTS: Patients (n = 50) clustered in the 40-59 year range (n = 27, 54%) and were predominantly female (n = 44, 88%) Hispanics (n = 30, 60%), with mild-moderate asthma (n = 18, 36%) and on low-dose ICS (n = 22, 44%). FEV1 ranged from 32 to 123 (mean 76.98, SE 3.01). Peak flow ranged from 210 to 590 (mean 407.83, SE 13.24). Prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms were higher than expected (Kendall's tau-c, n = 50, P < .01). Independently, high ICS dose and asthma severity correlated directly with all measures of psychiatric morbidity (Pearson's r0.781, P < .01). High ICS dose correlated inversely with SF-36 Mental Component Scale (Pearson's r0.681, P < .01) and directly with FEV1 and peak flow when age/sex adjusted (Spearman's rho: 0.660, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Psychiatric morbidity is more prevalent in this population and impacts negatively on QOL. Use of high-dose ICS benefited pulmonary function and "physical" QOL, yet may have negatively affected patients' mental well-being. Longitudinal follow-up, extension of sample size, and better study control would allow closer approximation of possible negative associations with ICS.