The Impact of Brief Corticosteroids on the Clinical Course of Primary Pulmonary Coccidioidomycosis.

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The Impact of Brief Corticosteroids on the Clinical Course of Primary Pulmonary Coccidioidomycosis.

J Infect. 2013 Apr 6;

Authors: Azadeh N, Chang YH, Kusne S, Vikram HR, Seville MT, Orenstein R, Blair JE

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis can often be associated with hypersensitivity symptoms treatable with a short course of palliative corticosteroids. Long-term use of corticosteroids is a known risk factor for severe or disseminated infection but the effects of short-term use are not known. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of immunocompetent patients with acute pulmonary coccidioidomycosis who received systemic corticosteroids for relief of coccidioidal-related symptoms. Age- and sex-matched controls were also reviewed. Predetermined end-points were assessed. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients met inclusion criteria for the corticosteroid-treated group, and 74 controls were identified. Cumulative corticosteroid (prednisone-equivalent) doses were 10mg 3,600mg (mean=206 mg; median=120mg). Corticosteroids were prescribed most commonly for rash (43/74 [58%] or asthma/wheezing/cough (30/74 [41%]. Coccidioidal-related hospitalization occurred in 19 patients in the corticosteroid group vs. 22 in the control group (P=.58). Coccidioidal-related symptoms resolved within a mean of 19 weeks (median=8 weeks [range=2-208 weeks]) vs. 32.3 weeks (median=8 weeks [range=1-1,040 weeks]) in the corticosteroid and control groups (P=.38). Relapse of symptoms occurred in 12% of both groups (P>.99). Extrapulmonary dissemination occurred in 2.7% vs. 4.0% (P>.99) in the corticosteroid and control groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study found no adverse effects of short-term corticosteroid therapy for early symptomatic treatment in acute pulmonary coccidioidomycosis.

PMID: 23570823 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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