Is Pulmicort treatment indicated in patients with COPD?
A systematic review of placebo-controlled studies in patients with COPD show that they benefit from treatment with inhaled corticosteroids, especially in preventing exacerbations (1). Patients using inhaled steroids deteriorate if treatment is discontinued (2). Inhaled steroids also prevent exacerbations in patients with severe COPD, i.e. FEV1 COPD is an approved indication for Pulmicort in a number of countries but not worldwide. COPD patients with moderate-to-severe disease, patients with a rapid decline in FEV1, and patients with frequent exacerbations seem to benefit most from Pulmicort (5). Reference: 1. Alsaeedi A et al. The effect of inhaled corticosteroids in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Am J Med 2002; 113: 59-65. 2. Jarad NA et al. An observational study of inhaled corticosteroid withdrawal in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Respir Med 1999; 93: 161-166. 3. Jones PW et al. Disease severity and
