Inhaled corticosteroids in COPD: systemic effects of a local therapy?

Abstract

Background: There are few data on the effects of inhaled corticosteroids on systemic inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Objective: Evaluation of the systemic anti-inflammatory effects of inhaled corticosteroids alone or in combination with long acting beta2-agonists.

Methods: Analysis of the results of a randomized study assessing the short-term effects of inhaled fluticasone propionate, inhaled fluticasone + salmeterol and placebo on three inflammation biomarkers represented by C-reactive protein, IL-6 and surfactant protein-D.

Results/conclusions: Inhaled corticosteroids alone or in combination exhibited partial systemic anti-inflammatory effects, reducing significantly only SP-D serum levels. Further evaluation of effects of inhaled corticosteroids on various biomarkers of systemic inflammation is required in more severe stable COPD.