Prior use of inhaled glucocorticoids in COPD or asthma patients and parapneumonic effusions

 Q: Prior use of inhaled glucocorticoids in COPD or asthma patients ___________ the chance of parapneumonic effusions? (select one) 

A) decreases 

B) increases 

Answer: A

 Surprisingly, prior use of inhaled glucocorticoids in patients with underlying asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) lessens the risk of parapneumonic effusions. Experts are not sure, is this a real phenomenon due to an altered inflammatory response from inhaled glucocorticoids, or these patients have a low threshold to seek medical care early.

#pulmonary

Reference:

1. Sellares J, López-Giraldo A, Lucena C, et al. Influence of previous use of inhaled corticoids on the development of pleural effusion in community-acquired pneumonia. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2013; 187:1241.