No evidence of harmful effects of steroids in severe exacerbations of COPD associated with influenza.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

COPD has large impact on patient morbidity and mortality worldwide. Acute exacerbations (AECOPD) are mostly triggered by respiratory infections including influenza. While corticosteroids are strongly recommended in AECOPD, they are potentially harmful during influenza. We aimed to evaluate if steroid treatment for AECOPD due to influenza may worsen outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of a Swiss nation-wide hospitalization database was conducted identifying all AECOPD hospitalisations between 2012 and 2017. In separate analyses, outcomes concerning length-of-stay (LOS), in-hospital mortality, rehospitalisation rate, empyema and aspergillosis were compared between AECOPD during and outside influenza season; AECOPD with and without laboratory-confirmed influenza;

SUBMITTER: Studer S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8799421 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature