Farmacoriflessioni
I corticosteroidi nelle malattie respiratorie: certezze e dubbi 60 anni dopo (Prima parte)
Corticosteroids in respiratory diseases: certainties and doubts 60 years later (First part)
Fernando Maria De Benedictis1, Americo Andreozzi2, Roberto Budassi2, Alessandro Capolongo2, Costantino Gobbi2, Arcangela Guerrieri2, Cesare Migliori2, Anna Nobilini2, Claudia Pasqualini1
1SOD Pediatria, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria “Ospedali Riuniti”, Ancona
2Pediatria di famiglia, Regione Marche
Novembre 2012 - pagg. 585 -588
Abstract
Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs which are used in many pulmonary conditions,
either systemically or by inhalation. Corticosteroids have a proven beneficial role
in asthma, croup, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and subglottic hemangioma.
In some conditions, such as bronchiolitis, cystic fibrosis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia,
their use is controversial and is not recommended routinely. In other conditions, such
as tuberculosis, interstitial lung disease, acute lung aspiration and acute respiratory
distress syndrome, corticosteroids are often used empirically despite the lack of clear
evidence in their favour. There is obvious concern about adverse effects, especially
growth and adrenal suppression, induced by systemic corticosteroids in children. These
effects have been reduced, but not eliminated with the use of the inhaled route. Physicians
should always weigh the benefits against the potential detrimental effects of corticosteroids
and the available protocols should be strictly followed in clinical practice.
Parole chiave
Suggerite dall'AI
Classificazione MeSH
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Corrispondenza: debenedictis@ospedaliriuniti.marche.it