Abstract

COMPARISON OF EFFICACY OF METHYL PREDNISOLONE AND PREDNISOLONE ORAL THERAPY IN EXACERBATION OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

Catherine Sara Renil*, Nimmy Tom, Rahul R, Bincy K. Chacko, Dr. Doye George and Dr. Santosh M. Mathews

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and results in an economic and social burden that is both substantial and increasing. Corticosteroids are routinely used in the management of exacerbation of COPD. In this study we compared the efficacy of Methylprednisolone and Prednisolone oral therapy in the treatment of COPD exacerbation. Methods: 64 AECOPD patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. One group received oral MP and the other group received oral prednisolone. The subjects entered into the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patient’s data collection form will be used for recording the demographic details of the patients. It is a 6 month study. During the study period, the patients are assessed for the impact of COPD on health status using CAT and the improvement in the pulmonary function is evaluated by observing the changes in the PEF values and SpO2 values. Any adverse drug events reported are measured using Naranjo’s causality assessment scale. Result: Symptoms, pulmonary function and pulse oxymetry were improved after treatment in the two groups and significant differences were observed between the two (p<0.05). Incidence of adverse events (bloating, pedeledema and hyperglycemia) in methyl prednisolone group was lower than prednisolone group. Conclusion: Administration of oral methyl prednisolone to exacerbated COPD patients improved pulmonary function, caused lesser number of adverse reactions and decreased the length of hospital stay than prednisolone.

Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, exacerbation, methyl prednisolone, prednisolone.