Reviews
Inhaled corticosteroids in COPD: Personalising the therapeutic choice
Abstract
There has been a recent surge in interest in the role of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in the treatment of COPD, especially regarding patients with high eosinophil counts. Evidence has shown that despite the increase in localised adverse effects and a small increase in non-fatal pneumonia events with ICS use, ICS still have an important role to play in reducing exacerbation rates and addressing the inflammation that is at the heart of the pathogenesis of COPD. Current international guidelines recommend the use of ICS only in patients with severe disease. This review examines the potential role of ICS in all COPD patients.
Authors' affiliations
JA Shaw, Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, Tygerberg Academic Hospital and Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
E M Irusen, Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, Tygerberg Academic Hospital and Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Article History
Date published: 2018-04-03
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African Journal of Thoracic and Critical Care Medicine| Online ISSN: 2617-0205
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