Steroid Induced Myopathy

Q: Which of the following subset of patients are more prone to respiratory muscle weakness from steroid induced myopathy?

A) End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
B) Cancer
C) Diabetes
D) Neuro-trauma
E) Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)


Answer: B

For reason not entirely clear but steroid induced myopathy manifests differently in patients who have a systemic malignancy, with tendency towards involvement of the respiratory muscles. This may make them more prone to respiratory infections due to decrease ability to clear secretions, cough and protect the airway.

#pulmonary
#oncology


Reference:

Batchelor TT, Taylor LP, Thaler HT, et al. Steroid myopathy in cancer patients. Neurology 1997; 48:1234.