This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Rodrigo, G. J. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Rodrigo, G. J.

Systemic Versus Topical Glucocorticoid Therapy for Acute Asthma

I thank Drs. Lipworth and Menzies for their stimulating letter. I think that the main message of my study consists in calling attention to the little known topical or nongenomic effects of corticosteroids in acute asthma (1). Thus, data suggest that high doses of inhaled corticosteroids can produce an early benefit, particularly in those patients with the most severe obstruction. I agree with Drs. Lipworth and Menzies that systemic corticosteroids remain the treatment of choice for acute asthma exacerbations. However, this nongenomic early effect may be significant in the treatment of the most severe cases.

Gustavo J. Rodrigo

Hospital Central de las Fuerzas Armadas, Montevideo, Uruguay

FOOTNOTES

Conflict of Interest Statement: G.J.R. does not have a financial relationship with a commercial entity that has an interest in the subject of this manuscript.

REFERENCES

1. Rodrigo GJ. Comparison of inhaled fluticasone with intravenous hydrocortisone in the treatment of adult acute asthma. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2005;171:1231–1236.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Rodrigo, G. J. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Rodrigo, G. J.