Steroid resistance in COPD? Overlap and differential anti-inflammatory effects in smokers and ex-smokers.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) reduce exacerbation rates and improve health status but can increase the risk of pneumonia in COPD. The GLUCOLD study, investigating patients with mild-to-moderate COPD, has shown that long-term (2.5-year) ICS therapy induces anti-inflammatory effects. The literature suggests that cigarette smoking causes ICS insensitivity. The aim of this study is to compare anti-inflammatory effects of ICS in persistent smokers and persistent ex-smokers in a post-hoc analysis of the GLUCOLD study.

Methods

Persistent smokers (n = 41) and persistent ex-smokers (n = 31) from the GLUCOLD cohort were investigated. Effects of ICS treatment compared with placebo were estimated by analysing changes in lung function, hyperresponsiveness, and inflammatory cel

SUBMITTER: Hoonhorst SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3914834 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature