International Journal of Medicine and Pharmacy

Evaluation of Risks versus Benefits with Concomitant Use of Budesonide Nebulizers and Systemic Corticosteroids in COPD Exacerbations
J. Ben Hill, Pharm.D; Jon P. Wietholter, Pharm.D, BCPS

Abstract
Background: Systemic corticosteroids are recommended for treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations. Studies suggest nebulized budesonide may beequivalent to systemic corticosteroids in COPD exacerbations. However, there is limited data on benefits or risks of concomitant nebulized and systemic corticosteroid use during COPD exacerbations. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective study evaluating subjects admitted with a COPD exacerbation who received systemic corticosteroids with or without nebulized budesonide. Subjects were included if they had a COPD exacerbation, received systemic corticosteroids of at least 40 mg prednisone equivalents daily for at least 48 hours, and received nebulized budesonide for at least 48 hours if in the budesonide arm. Exclusion criteria included subjects with asthma, active cancer or other forms of immunosuppression, recent systemic corticosteroid usage, or active fungal infection(s). The primary outcome was to compare length of stay between treatment groups. Secondary outcomes were to compare adverse effect rates. Results:645 subject charts were reviewed and 75 subjects were included(n=41 in the budesonide group; n=34 in the non-budesonide group). Length of stay averaged 4.63 and 3.62 days (p = 0.18) in the budesonide and non-budesonide arms, respectively. Hyperglycemic events occurred significantly more often in the budesonide group (n=164 vs. 92 (p = 0.02)) while thrush diagnoses were not significantly different (n=4 vs. 0 (p = 0.12)).Conclusion:Nebulized budesonide in addition to systemic corticosteroids during a COPD exacerbation does not decrease hospital length of stay and significantly increases the risk of hyperglycemic events.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijmp.v7n2a1