Low-dose Systemic Corticosteroids Research Articles

Impact of systemic corticosteroids for cutaneous immune-related adverse events on survival outcomes in patients with advanced cancer: A retrospective cohort study.

e14523 Background: Cutaneous immune-related adverse events (cirAE) may disrupt immune-checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. Current guidelines recommend systemic corticosteroids (SCS) for moderate to severe cirAE, but SCS-associated complications and their impact on survival remain poorly understood. We therefore investigated the impact of SCS exposures on infectious complications and survival outcomes among patients with cirAE. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who initiated anti-programmed death-1/ligand-1 (PD-1/PDL-1) and/or anti-cytotoxic-T-lymphocyte-4 (CTLA-4) ICI therapy between 1/1/16-3/8/19 with confirmed cirAE, obtaining oncologic history, clinical features, SCS exposures, infection rates, and survival outcomes. SCS exposures were categorized by indication (cirAE, other immune-related adverse event, other medical reason) and dosage in prednisone equivalents (low, ≤7.5mg/day for ≥2 months; moderate, > 7.5mg/day for ≥2 months; high, ≥1mg/kg/day for ≥1 week). Infection rates were compared among patients treated with SCS for initial cirAE and those with no SCS exposures for any indication. Cox proportional hazards (CPH) models adjusted for age, sex, and covariates with P <0.05 were used to assess relationships between SCS for first cirAE episode, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: 358 patients developed cirAE (median age 64 years, 40.5% female, 41.9% melanoma). 50 (14.0%) patients received SCS for initial cirAE, 192 (53.6%) received SCS for another indication, and 116 (32.4%) had no SCS exposures. Patients who received SCS for initial cirAE had higher median rash severity (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade 3 vs. 1, P< 0.001) and were more likely to be hospitalized for cirAE management (20.0% vs. 1.9%, P< 0.001) than those who did not receive SCS. SCS delivery for initial cirAE was predominantly at low doses (n = 42, 84.0%). Infection rates were higher in patients who received SCS for initial cirAE than those with no SCS exposures for any indication (34.0% vs. 19.8%). Most infections in both groups required systemic therapy (88.2% vs. 95.7%). In multivariate models adjusted for age, sex, and SCS exposures by indication and dosage, patients who received SCS for initial cirAE and those who did not had similar PFS (HR 0.7, CI 0.4-1.3, P= 0.287) and OS (HR 3.0, CI 0.3-35.3, P =0.380). Conclusions: We observed higher rates of infection than previously reported among both patients who did and did not receive SCS for initial cirAE. Despite the theoretical risk of SCS impeding the anti-tumor response, we found no relationship between SCS for initial cirAE and PFS/OS. Collectively, these findings suggest that with appropriate management, low-dose SCS may be safely administered for cirAE without significant impact on survival outcomes.

Utility of Awake Prone Positioning with Low-Dose Systemic Corticosteroids in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Patients: A Case Series

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, novel enveloped RNA beta-coronavirus. The clinical manifestations vary from no symptoms to fever, cough, respiratory distress, pneumonia, and adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or uncommonly diarrhea. Typically, the disease has viremic phase, pulmonary phase, and severe host inflammatory phase. Prompt interventions in the first two phases such as awake prone positioning and administration of low-dose corticosteroids can prevent the onset of the third phase of the deadly disease. Awake prone positioning and systemic corticosteroids are simple interventions, which can prevent the requirement of mechanical ventilation and also lead to reduction in the inflammatory response and disease severity. We report a case series of six patients who diagnosed with COVID-19 ARDS and were benefitted by awake prone positioning sessions and low-dose systemic corticosteroid therapy.

The Outcome of Prompt Concomitant Single-Dose High-Concentration Intratympanic and Tapered Low-Dose Oral Systemic Corticosteroid Treatment for Sudden Deafness.

To investigate the efficacy of prompt concomitant corticosteroid treatment with single application of high-concentration intratympanic (IT) dexamethasone and tapered low-dose systemic methylprednisolone of an idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL). Between September 2017 and September 2019, 86 adult patients met the criteria for the diagnosis of ISSNHL at baseline evaluation. The patients received immediate concomitant treatment with single high-concentration (24 mg/mL) IT dexamethasone and low-dose (48 mg) oral methylprednisolone for 1 week followed by tapered doses. Improvement in pure-tone average (PTA) and word recognition score (WRS) was determined after 1 and 6 months. A total of 63 patients met the requirements for the analysis. PTA improved in 71% and WRS improved in 59% of patients with ISSNHL. PTA and WRS were statistically significantly different at different time points during the intervention (p<0.0005). Hearing improved in all measured frequencies from 125 to 8000 Hz until the second follow-up. In 65.4% of patients with tinnitus, the WRS has improved compared with 27.3% without tinnitus (p<0.05). In 69.2% of patients without vertigo, the WRS has improved compared with 41.7% with vertigo (p<0.05). Prompt concomitant single high-concentration IT and low-dose systemic corticosteroid treatment is efficient in recovering hearing loss and speech discrimination in ISSNHL. Tinnitus positively predicts hearing outcome. Vertigo negatively predicts speech discrimination recovery.

Dapsone in the Management of Pemphigus and Pemphigoid: Rediscovery of its Long-Lost Efficacy.

IntroductionAutoimmune mucocutaneous blistering dermatoses (AMCBD) are a group of disorders characterized by the production of autoantibodies that target specific adhesion molecules of the skin and/or mucous membranes. As a result, there is blister formation on the skin with or without mucous membrane involvement. Systemic corticosteroids have been used as the mainstay of treatment in AMCBD. However, due to the debilitating side effects associated with their use, there is significant morbidity and mortality, especially on the fragile elderly patients. Although the efficacy of dapsone in the treatment of AMCBD was identified decades ago, few recent studies shed light on that. Hence, further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of dapsone as a single agent in maintaining disease remission in patients with AMCBD.Materials and methodsAn observational retrospective study was performed. Patients with a known diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid (BP) or pemphigus vulgaris (PV) who are treated with dapsone with or without low-dose systemic corticosteroids were included in the study, and their medical files were reviewed. ResultsA total of seven patients were included (three males and four females). All patients showed a satisfactory response to dapsone, achieving disease remission in a short period of time with no serious side effects necessitating treatment cessation.ConclusionsOur findings support that dapsone may have a corticosteroid-sparing effect in the management of AMCBD. Further studies are warranted to confirm our findings.

Central serous chorioretinopathy associated with low dose systemic corticosteroid treatment of Behcet&amp;apos;s disease

Central serous chorioretinopathy associated with low dose systemic corticosteroid treatment of Behcet&amp;apos;s disease

Sequential high- and low-dose systemic corticosteroid therapy for severe childhood alopecia areata.

Given the limited number of therapeutic options, severe childhood alopecia areata (AA) poses a clinical challenge. The best and most rapid response rates can be achieved with high-dose systemic corticosteroids, however, relapse following treatment discontinuation is inevitable. Due to systemic side effects, long-term high-dose corticosteroid regimens are not feasible. Following initial pulse therapy, continuation of corticosteroid therapy at a dose below the Cushing threshold might be able to suppress disease activity without causing severe side effects. Thirteen children with severe AA were enrolled in our open observational study. Seven had alopecia totalis or universalis; the remaining six children had multifocal alopecia affecting more than 50% of the scalp. The treatment regimen consisted of initial pulse therapy with prednisolone 2mg/kg PO, which was subsequently tapered to a maintenance dose below the individual Cushing threshold within nine weeks. Children were followed-up for one to three years. Sixty-two percent of individuals showed complete hair regrowth. The mean time to response was 6.6 weeks. Said response was sustained with maintenance therapy for the entire follow-up period. Noticeable side effects included weight gain (1-3kg), which was observed in all children, and mild steroid acne in 23% of cases. Sequential high- and low-dose prednisolone therapy is an effective and safe therapeutic option for childhood AA.

The Role of Systemic Steroids in Postintubation Tracheal Stenosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Most patients with postintubation tracheal stenosis are not ideal candidates for airway resection at presentation and their airways must be temporarily kept open by repeated bronchoscopic dilation (RBD). Meanwhile, some sufficiently recover by RBD without further airway resection requirement. We hypothesized whether systemic corticosteroids could lengthen RBD intervals, decrease the number of patients who eventually need airway resection, and shorten the required length of airway resection. Between February 2009 and November 2012, a randomized double-blind clinical trial with a 1:1 ratio (corticosteroids group [group C], prednisolone 15 mg/day; placebo group [group P]) was conducted on 120 patients without tracheostomy or T tube and in no ideal situation for airway resection at presentation, whose precipitating injury had occurred recently. All underwent RBD until they became asymptomatic or prepared for airway resection. Asymptomatic patients received the capsules (prednisolone or placebo) for 6 months; others discontinued them before surgery. Those requiring RBD at short intervals underwent tracheostomy or T tube placement and were then excluded. Follow-up terminated 6 months after airway resection or capsule discontinuation. There were 105 patients (72 male; 50 in group C), aged 15 to 64 years, who completed their follow-up. There was no significant difference between the two groups in age, sex, history of tracheostomy, intubation cause and duration, time interval between intubation and initial bronchoscopy, length of stenosis, and subglottic involvement. Our study showed a trend for RBD with longer intervals (22 days), and fewer operations, 17% (28 of 50 versus 40 of 55) in group C, although statistically insignificant. Furthermore, the required airway resection length became significantly shorter (5.3 mm) in group C. Early low-dose systemic corticosteroids can bebeneficial in postintubation tracheal stenosis management.

Intraocular pressure in chronic users of low-dose oral corticosteroids for connective tissue disease

ObjectiveTo investigate the mean intraocular pressure (IOP) of patients with connective tissue disease (CTD) on low-dose chronic systemic corticosteroid therapy and compare with control subjects. DesignCross-sectional comparative study. ParticipantsA total of 86 patients with CTD were grouped according to corticosteroid therapy. Group 1 (n = 27) was composed of patients with CTD receiving low-dose systemic corticosteroid therapy (<10 mg prednisone or its equivalent oral corticosteroid) for at least 6 months, and group 2 (n = 59) included patients with CTD without use of corticosteroid therapy. Group 3 (n = 20) was composed of healthy control subjects. MethodsAll patients underwent a complete ophthalmic evaluation by an experienced investigator and had their clinical records reviewed by another independent investigator. IOP was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry. ResultsIn all 3 groups, the IOPs were within the normal range. The mean IOP was 13.1 ± 2.7 mm Hg (range 8–19 mm Hg) in the CTD corticosteroid group (group 1), 13.7 ± 2.7 mm Hg (range 9–22 mm Hg) in CTD group without corticosteroid therapy (group 2), and 13.1 ± 1.6 mm Hg (range 10–16 mm Hg) in the control group (group 3). No significant differences in IOP were observed among the 3 groups (p = 0.50). ConclusionsPatients under chronic treatment with low-dose systemic corticosteroid therapy for CTD presented with IOP within the normal range, not clinically significant different from the IOP of patients with CTD without any steroid therapy or from healthy control subjects.

Management of Plastic Bronchitis With Topical Tissue-type Plasminogen Activator

Plastic bronchitis or cast bronchitis is a rare disease of unclear etiology characterized by formation of airway casts that can lead to life-threatening airway obstruction. There is currently limited data regarding optimal treatment of plastic bronchitis. Several therapies have been suggested, but recurrences are common and mortality remains high. We report the case of a 6-year-old boy with refractory eosinophilic bronchial casts, unresponsive to low-dose systemic corticosteroids, inhaled corticosteroids, azithromycin, and dornase alfa, who was treated successfully and safely with direct instillation of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) to the obstructing casts during flexible bronchoscopy and inhaled tPA. Our case illustrates that the current therapy for plastic bronchitis remains inadequate. To our knowledge, this case is the first to show that direct instillation of tPA can be used safely for treatment of this disease. The use of tPA via direct administration into the airways during bronchoscopy and via a nebulizer appeared to be a safe and effective therapy for plastic bronchitis and should be considered early in the course of the disease to prevent complications of severe airway obstruction.

Extensive lichenoid type of Cutaneous sarcoidosis - A case report / Ekstenzivna lihenoidna saroidoza kože

Abstract Cutaneous manifestations of sarcoidosis are present in up to 25% of patients. The manifestatons can be very variable, making this disease one of the „great imitators“ in dermatology. One of its clinical variants is lichenoid sarcoidosis, which is more commonly described in children. We report an adult patient with extensive lichenoid sarcoidosis with a personal history of treated pulmonary tuberculosis, without any evidence of actual pulmonary involvement with sarcoidosis. The main differential diagnosis of lichenoid sarcoidosis of lichen scrofulosorum, so thorough examinations, to exclude active tuberculosis, are essential in theses cases. The patient was succesfully treated with antimalarial drugs, and lowdose systemic corticosteroids.

Low‐dose‐corticosteroids as long‐term monotherapy ‐ sufficient immunosupression in patients with chronic uveitis

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study has been to identify a subgroup of patients with chronic uveitis that could be treated with low dose systemic corticosteroids alone in regard to prevent relapse of inflammation and associated complications of uveitis (including loss of vision) without important side effects. Methods In a retrospective study we included consecutive patients &gt; 18 years of age attending the Interdisciplinary Uveitis Center Heidelberg that met the following criteria: non‐infectious uveitis without regard to anatomical presentation, previous successful treatment with tapered prednisone dose and relapse after complete cessation. The systemic prednisone dose was tapered until dosage was below or equal 7,5 mg prednisone per day without relapse of disease for at least 60 days. The criteria that the efficacy of low dose prednisone treatment had been judged on were visual acuity and anterior chamber cells. Results So far 20 patients (14 female and 6‐male) were included. Systemic diseases were found in 12 patients: 6 patients were diagnosed with sarcoidosis (2 histologically confirmed), 2 patients with psoriasis, one with colitis ulcerosa, one had autoimmune hepatitis, one with Lyme disease and one with multiple sclerosis. After a median observation period of 210 days (range 88‐810 days), 14 patients remained stable in regard to visual acuity and inflammation cells on a median final prednisone dose of 3,5 mg (range 1‐7,5 mg). Conclusion In this retrospective study we could show that a low dose systemic prednisone treatment is effective in patients with chronic uveitis.

Influence of early cerebrospinal fluid-guided diagnosis and early high-dose corticosteroid therapy on ocular outcomes of Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease

To evaluate the importance of early cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-guided diagnosis and early high-dose corticosteroid therapy on the complications and visual prognosis of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease. Charts from patients with VKH disease who had been seen at Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital and Miyata Eye Hospital between 1994 and 2002 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were classified into two groups. The first group (group A) consisted of patients who had received a full work-up including CSF examination and corticosteroid pulse therapy at the acute ophthalmic stage of disease. The second group (group B) consisted of patients who were referred to us by local ophthalmologists long after the disease onset, had not had a CSF examination and had been treated with low-dose systemic corticosteroids or topical corticosteroid therapy. The ocular complications, systemic complications and visual prognosis were compared between the two groups. Twenty-two patients were included in group A and ten patients in group B. The initial diagnosis at the acute ophthalmic stage had been VKH disease in all patients of group A, while, in group B, the diagnosis was idiopathic uveitis in six patients (60%) initially. Frequency of recurrent uveitis and integumentary symptoms were significantly lower in group A. Intensity of sunset glow fundus was significantly more severe in group B. All eyes in group A obtained a final visual acuity of 0.8 or better, whereas 11 eyes (55%) in group B were below this level. The results indicate that early diagnosis, helped by CSF examination and early high-dose corticosteroid therapy, decreased the complication rate and improved the visual prognosis.

Paniculitis lúpica asociada a lupus eritematoso sistémico

Abstract.—Lupus panniculitis or lupus erythematosus profundus in a mixed panniculitis with a predilection for the face, proximal extremities, trunk or buttocks. It occurs in 2% of lupus erythematosus patients. The serum antinuclear antibody is ussally positive in about 70% of case, but only 25%- 50% fulfil the American Rheumatism Association criteria for systemic lypus erythematosus.We report a 54-year-old women who developed firm, erythematous nodules located mainly on the face, trunk and buttocks. Histological examination showed a mixed panniculitis with hyaline fat necrosis and calcification. Laboratory tests revealed lymphopenia and anemia. ANA and anti-DNA were positive. For several months the patient had also been suffering from arthralgia with synovitis of the wrist and several interphalangeal joins. Overall, these clinical and serology findings were consistent with the diagnosis of lupus panniculitis associated with mild systemic lupus erythematosus. Treatment consisted of synthetic antipaludian medication and low dose systemic corticosteroids, under which the lesions regressed except one of them, which remained as a solitary plaque, on buttocks, with an important calcification.

Low-dose Cyclosporin a in uveitis a long-term follow-up

Seventy patients suffering from bilateral endogenous chronic uveitis or ocular Behcet's disease have been treated with 5 mg/kg/day Cyclosporin A. All patients were followed at regular intervals for up to eight years. In this group of patients, we observed that CsA is an effective drug for the treatment of intraocular inflammation. Patients have needed continuous treatment with CsA for an average period of 31 months. Exacerbations of the inflammatory processes have been observed in 95% of the patients on initial attempts to lower the CsA dosage. These exacerbations were controlled either by local treatment or a combination of low-dose systemic corticosteroids. Elevation of the serum creatinine was initially observed in all patients when under the higher doses of CsA. However, only 15 patients (21.4%) had levels which were higher than the upper normal limit. Elevation of the bilirubin level of 50% or more above baseline was observed in 45 patients (64.3%) but only 11 patients (15.7%) showed levels which were above the upper normal limit. During this period of follow-up, cure was achieved in 25 patients and no exacerbations were observed up to five years after discontinuation of treatment.

Bone density in asthmatic patients taking high dose inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate and intermittent systemic corticosteroids.

Asthmatic patients taking low to moderate doses of inhaled topical corticosteroids have been shown to have lower bone density than those taking bronchodilators only. There is little information on bone density in asthmatic patients taking high dose inhaled corticosteroids. Bone mass was studied in three age matched groups of asthmatic patients. These comprised: 17 asthmatic patients who had never taken inhaled or systemic corticosteroids (group 1); 20 patients who had taken beclomethasone diproprionate in a dosage of 1000-2000 micrograms daily for at least a year, who had also received courses of systemic corticosteroids in the past (group 2); and 20 patients who were taking both high dose inhaled corticosteroids and regular low dose prednisolone, at a median dose of 7 mg daily (group 3). Vertebral bone density was measured by quantitative computed tomography. Biochemical indices of bone formation and resorption were also measured. Mean bone density in group 2 (127.5(22.6) mg/ml) was similar to that in group 3 (114.5 (36.0) mg/ml). Bone density was significantly lower in both of these groups than in group 1 (160.4 (27.4) mg/ml). There were no significant differences between groups for any of the markers of bone formation and resorption. Asthmatic patients receiving high dose inhaled beclomethasone and intermittent courses of systemic corticosteroids have reduced vertebral bone density. The bone loss is similar in degree to that seen in patients taking high dose inhaled topical corticosteroids and continuous low dose systemic corticosteroids.