The risk/benefit of inhaled corticosteroids in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Although inhaled corticosteroids have a well defined role in asthma therapy, their use remains controversial in nonasthmatic, smoking-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Some studies have shown an effect of inhaled corticosteroids on airway inflammation in COPD, but the clinical relevance of these results is unknown. Data from five long-term, large studies, provide evidence that prolonged treatment with inhaled corticosteroids does not modify the rate of decline of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) in patients with COPD and no reversibility to short-acting β2-agonists. FEV1 was slightly improved over the first six months of treatment and lower reactivity in response to methacholine challenge has been observed. Improvement of respiratory symptoms and health status were also reported. A reduction of exacerbations rate was observed in two studies. No survival benefit was demonstrated. Two recent reports suggest that long term use of inhaled corticosteroids in COPD patients impro...