Systematic Literature Review of Systemic Corticosteroid Use for Asthma Management
The systematic literature review titled “Systematic Literature Review of Systemic Corticosteroid Use for Asthma Management” explores the utilization of systemic corticosteroids in managing asthma and the associated health impacts. Conducted between 2010 and 2017, the review included 139 studies from databases such as MEDLINE and Embase. The review emphasizes that systemic corticosteroids are frequently used for severe asthma cases more than for milder conditions.
Key findings include:
- Long-term and repeated short-term use of systemic corticosteroids are linked to significant health risks, including acute and chronic adverse effects, even at relatively low doses.
- Systemic corticosteroids are associated with higher healthcare costs and resource utilization due to their side effects.
The review also discusses the shift towards using inhaled corticosteroids (introduced in 1972) that have fewer side effects compared to systemic corticosteroids, yet systemic types continue to be integral for severe cases and exacerbations. Additionally, the review addresses the introduction of biologic treatments which offer targeted relief with fewer side effects, suggesting a potential decrease in systemic corticosteroid use as these newer treatments gain traction.
Overall, the study highlights the need for careful consideration of corticosteroid use in asthma management due to their significant side effect profile and economic impact. This document is published under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives License and can be accessed for further details at American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, pages 276-293, February 1, 2020.
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