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Huo X, Zhou J, Liu S, Guo X, Xue Y. Clinical efficacy of single intraoperative 500 mg methylprednisolone management therapy for thoracic myelopathy caused by ossification of the ligamentum flavum. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2020; 21:177. [PMID: 32192476 PMCID: PMC7083069 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-020-03216-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The objective of our study was to compare clinical outcome and postoperative complications between patients with thoracic myelopathy caused by ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) treated with and without intraoperative methylprednisolone (MP). Methods This retrospective study enrolled 101 patients who underwent posterior approach surgery for OLF and were followed up at least 1 year. Patients were divided into two groups according to MP use in the operation: MP group (n = 47) and non-MP group (n = 54). Clinical outcomes and complications were evaluated before and after operation and at the last follow-up. Results Significant differences were found in modified Japanese Orthopedics Association (mJOA) scores and proportion of Frankel grade (A-C) between the two groups immediately after surgery and at 2-week follow-up. No significant differences were found between the two groups in mJOA score before operation and at the final follow-up. Moreover, no significant differences were observed in recovery rate according to mJOA score at any time points, and there was no significant difference in the proportion of Frankel grade (A-C) between the two groups at final follow-up. There were 13 documented infections: 10 in the MP group and 3 in the non-MP group (P = 0.034). Conclusion Management therapy with intraoperative 500 mg MP showed better recovery of nerve function within 2 weeks in patients with thoracic myelopathy caused by OLF compared with those did not receive MP. However, long-term follow-up results showed that there was no significant difference in neurological recovery between patients with intraoperative MP or not. Moreover, intraoperative MP increased the rate of wound infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyang Huo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiaming Zhou
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shiwei Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xing Guo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuan Xue
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China. .,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
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Deng J, Chalhoub NE, Sherwin CM, Li C, Brunner HI. Glucocorticoids pharmacology and their application in the treatment of childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2019; 49:251-259. [PMID: 30987856 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2019.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant medications and remain the mainstay of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) therapy. The potency of a specific glucocorticoid, i.e., the dose of glucocorticoid that is required to produce a specific effect, is dependent on its pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) properties. In this review, we summarize the PK/PD properties of commonly used glucocorticoids in an attempt to better delineate their role in the management of children with childhood-onset SLE (cSLE). We also address glucocorticoid side effects as these play a major role when deciding on the dose, frequency, and duration of use. A better understanding of the pharmacology of glucocorticoids appears useful to achieve improved outcomes in the management of cSLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianghong Deng
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Children's Hospital, National Center for Children's Health, Capital Medical University, No. 56 Nanlishi Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100045, China; Division of Rheumatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, MLC 4010, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Nathalie E Chalhoub
- Division of Immunology, Allergy, and Rheumatology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Catherine M Sherwin
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Caifeng Li
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Children's Hospital, National Center for Children's Health, Capital Medical University, No. 56 Nanlishi Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100045, China.
| | - Hermine I Brunner
- Division of Rheumatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, MLC 4010, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
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Vidal PM, Ulndreaj A, Badner A, Hong J, Fehlings MG. Methylprednisolone treatment enhances early recovery following surgical decompression for degenerative cervical myelopathy without compromise to the systemic immune system. J Neuroinflammation 2018; 15:222. [PMID: 30081922 PMCID: PMC6080373 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-018-1257-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is caused by degenerative or congenital changes to the discs and soft tissues of the cervical spine, which leads to chronic compression of the spinal cord. The current treatment for moderate to severe DCM consists of surgical decompression, which, while effective in most cases, can result in neuroinflammation and spinal cord reperfusion injury, leading to perioperative neurological complications and suboptimal neurological recovery. The primary objective of this study was to assess, in a translationally relevant animal model of DCM, the efficacy of perioperative methylprednisolone (MP) in enhancing neurological recovery and to evaluate its effect on the inflammatory response following decompression. Methods DCM was induced in C57BL/6 mice. Briefly, an aromatic polyether material was implanted underneath the C5-C6 laminae to cause progressive compression of the cervical spinal cord due to focal ossification. Decompressive surgery was undertaken at 12 weeks post initial biomaterial implantation. Animals received one dose of MP (30 mg/kg) or vehicle 30 min before decompression and at 2 weeks after decompression. Acute analysis of secreted cytokines and spinal cord microvasculature was complemented with immunohistochemistry for glial and neuronal cell markers. Locomotor outcomes were measured using the CatWalk system. The composition of circulating white blood cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. Results A single dose of MP before decompression significantly sped locomotor recovery (*p < 0.05) and reduced the incidence of perioperative motor complications, without affecting the composition of circulating white blood cells. Histological assessment of the spinal cord showed significant neuronal preservation and a modest reduction in parenchymal inflammation. Conclusions Our data suggest that MP reduces perioperative neurological complications following decompressive surgery for DCM by protecting neurons from inflammation, without compromising the composition of circulating immune cells. We propose that MP, which is commonly used for neurological disorders including spinal cord injury, be considered as a perioperative adjunct to decompressive surgery to attenuate neurological complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia M Vidal
- Division of Genetics & Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile
| | - Antigona Ulndreaj
- Division of Genetics & Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna Badner
- Division of Genetics & Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - James Hong
- Division of Genetics & Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael G Fehlings
- Division of Genetics & Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Head, Spinal Program, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Crawford JH, Hull MS, Borasino S, Steenwyk BL, Hock KM, Wall K, Alten JA. Adrenal insufficiency in neonates after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Paediatr Anaesth 2017; 27:77-84. [PMID: 27779350 DOI: 10.1111/pan.13013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) may lead to adrenal insufficiency (AI). Emerging evidence supports association of AI with morbidity after cardiac surgery. AIMS The aim of this study was to define AI incidence in neonates undergoing complex cardiac surgery with CPB and its association with intraoperative post-CPB outcomes. METHODS Forty subjects enrolled in a prior randomized control trial who received preoperative methylprednisolone as part of our institutional neonatal bypass protocol were included. No intraoperative steroids were given. ACTH stimulation tests were performed: preoperatively and 1 h after separation from CPB. AI was defined as <9 μg·ml-1 increase in cortisol at 30 min post cosyntropin 1 mcg. Clinical outcomes were collected up to 90 min after CPB. RESULTS 2/40 (5%) subjects had preoperative AI vs 13/40 (32.5%) post-CPB AI, P ≤ 0.001. No significant difference was observed in age, gestational age, weight, CPB time, circulatory arrest, or STAT category between subjects with or without post-CPB AI. ACTH decreased from preoperative values 127.3 vs 35 pcg·ml-1 [median difference = 81.8, 95% CI = 22.7-127.3], while cortisol increased from 18.9 vs 75 μg·dl-1 [median difference = 52.2, 95% CI = 36.3-70.9]. Post-CPB AI was associated with increased median colloid resuscitation, 275 vs 119 ml·kg-1 [median difference = 97.8, 95% CI = 7.1-202.2]; higher median peak lactate, 9.4 vs 6.9 mg·dl-1 [median difference = 3.2, 95% CI = 0.04-6.7]; median post-CPB lactate, 7.9 vs 4.3 mg·dl-1 , [median difference 3.6, 95% CI = 2.1-4.7], and median lactate on admission to CICU, 9.4 vs 6.0 mg·dl-1 [median difference = 3, 95% CI = 1.1-4.9]. No difference was observed in blood pressure or vasoactive inotrope score at any time point measured in operating room (OR). Higher initial post-CPB cortisol correlated with decreased cosyntropin response. CONCLUSIONS Neonatal cardiac surgery with CPB and preoperative methylprednisolone leads to AI as determined by low-dose ACTH stimulation test in one-third of patients. AI is associated with increased serum lactate and colloid resuscitation in OR. Impact of preoperative methylprednisolone on results is not defined. Benefit of postoperative steroid administration in neonates with post-CPB AI warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack H Crawford
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Division of Congenital Cardiac Anesthesiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Matthew S Hull
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Division of Congenital Cardiac Anesthesiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Santiago Borasino
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Brad L Steenwyk
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Division of Congenital Cardiac Anesthesiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Kristal M Hock
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Kevin Wall
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Alten
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Corticosteroid Therapy Benefits Septic Mice With Adrenal Insufficiency But Harms Septic Mice Without Adrenal Insufficiency. Crit Care Med 2015; 43:e490-8. [PMID: 26308430 PMCID: PMC9798902 DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0000000000001264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Corticosteroid therapy is frequently used in septic patients given the rationale that there is an increased demand for corticosteroid in sepsis, and up to 60% of severe septic patients experience adrenal insufficiency. However, the efficacy of corticosteroid therapy and whether the therapy should be based on the results of adrenal function testing are highly controversial. The lack of an adrenal insufficiency animal model and our poor understanding of the pathogenesis caused by adrenal insufficiency present significant barriers to address this long-standing clinical issue. DESIGN Prospective experimental study. SETTING University laboratory. SUBJECTS Scavenger receptor BI null and adrenal-specific scavenger receptor BI null mice. INTERVENTIONS Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Using scavenger receptor BI mice as the first relative adrenal insufficiency animal model, we found that corticosteroid therapy significantly improved the survival in cecal ligation and puncture-treated scavenger receptor BI mice but causes more septic death in wild-type mice. We identified a corticosteroid cocktail that provides effective protection 18 hours post cecal ligation and puncture; using adrenal-specific scavenger receptor BI mice as an inducible corticosteroid-deficient animal model, we found that inducible corticosteroid specifically suppresses interleukin-6 production without affecting tumor necrosis factor-α, nitric oxide, and interleukin-10 production. We further found that inducible corticosteroid does not induce peripheral lymphocyte apoptosis but promotes phagocytic activity of macrophages and neutrophils. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that corticosteroid treatment benefits mice with adrenal insufficiency but harms mice without adrenal insufficiency. This study also reveals that inducible corticosteroid has both immunosuppressive and immunopermissive properties, suppressing interleukin-6 production, promoting phagocytosis of immune effector cells, but not inducing peripheral lymphocyte apoptosis. These findings support our hypothesis that corticosteroid is an effective therapy for a subgroup of septic patients with adrenal insufficiency but harms septic patients without adrenal insufficiency and encourage further efforts to test this hypothesis in clinic.
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Yates CJ, Fourlanos S, Colman PG, Cohney SJ. Divided dosing reduces prednisolone-induced hyperglycaemia and glycaemic variability: a randomized trial after kidney transplantation. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2013; 29:698-705. [PMID: 24009292 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gft377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prednisolone is a major risk factor for hyperglycaemia and new-onset diabetes after transplantation. Uncontrolled observational data suggest that divided dosing may reduce requirements for hypoglycaemic agents. This study aims to compare the glycaemic effects of divided twice daily (BD) and once daily (QD) prednisolone. METHODS Twenty-two kidney transplant recipients without diabetes were randomized to BD or QD prednisolone. Three weeks post-transplant, a continuous glucose monitor (iPro2(®) Medtronic) was applied for 5 days with subjects continuing their initial prednisolone regimen (Days 1-2) before crossover to the alternative regimen. Mean glucose, peak glucose, nadir glucose, exposure to hyperglycaemia (glucose ≥7.8 mmol/L) and glycaemic variability were assessed. RESULTS The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of subjects was 50 ± 10 years and 77% were male. Median (interquartile range) daily prednisolone dose was 25 (20, 25) mg. BD prednisolone was associated with decreased mean glucose (mean 7.9 ± 1.7 versus 8.1 ± 2.3 mmol/L, P < 0.001), peak glucose [median 10.4 (9.5, 11.4) versus 11.4 (10.3, 13.4) mmol/L, P< 0.001] and exposure to hyperglycaemia [median 25.5 (14.6, 30.3) versus 40.4 (33.2, 51.2) mmol/L/h, P = 0.003]. Median glucose peaked between 14:55-15.05 h with BD and 15:25-15:30 h with QD. Median glycaemic variability scores were decreased with BD: SD (1.1 versus 1.9, P < 0.001), mean amplitude of glycaemic excursion (1.5 versus 2.2, P = 0.001), continuous overlapping net glycaemic action-1 (CONGA-1; 1.0 versus 1.2, P = 0.039), CONGA-2 (1.2 versus 1.4, P = 0.008) and J-index (25 versus 31, P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS Split prednisolone dosing reduces glycaemic variability and hyperglycaemia early post-kidney transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Yates
- Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Effect of Methylprednisolone Injection Speed on the Perception of Intramuscular Injection Pain. Pain Manag Nurs 2013; 14:3-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2010.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2009] [Revised: 02/19/2010] [Accepted: 03/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Arron JR, Scheerens H, Matthews JG. Redefining approaches to asthma: developing targeted biologic therapies. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2013; 66:1-49. [PMID: 23433454 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-404717-4.00001-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder canonically associated with type 2 airway inflammation as characterized by elevated levels of eosinophils, immunoglobulin E, and cytokines including interleukin (IL) 4, IL5, IL9, and IL13 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α. However, mounting evidence has shown that considerable heterogeneity exists in human asthma in terms of the nature and intensity of airway inflammation. While many asthma patients achieve acceptable control of symptoms with standard-of-care therapies such as β₂-adrenergic agonists and inhaled corticosteroids, a minority remains symptomatic despite maximal standard-of-care therapy and constitutes a significant unmet medical need. A growing number of investigational therapeutics under clinical development for asthma are biologic therapies that specifically target mediators of type 2 airway inflammation. In this chapter, we consider the biological functions of therapeutic targets in asthma and data from clinical trials of biologic agents directed against these targets. We discuss recent clinical trial results in terms of four key components of drug development: target selection, molecule selection, outcome selection, and patient selection, with particular attention paid to the emerging role of biomarkers in clinical development for asthma.
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Twice Daily Fractionated Dose Administration of Prednisolone Compared to Standard Once Daily Administration to Patients with Glomerulonephritis or with Kidney Transplants*. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 104:429-33. [DOI: 10.1007/s00063-009-1091-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2009] [Accepted: 03/24/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Orciuolo E, Stanzani M, Canestraro M, Galimberti S, Carulli G, Lewis R, Petrini M, Komanduri KV. Effectsof Aspergillus fumigatusgliotoxin and methylprednisolone on human neutrophils: implications for the pathogenesis of invasive aspergillosis. J Leukoc Biol 2007; 82:839-48. [PMID: 17626149 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0207090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus (AF) is a ubiquitous mold and the most common cause of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in immunocompromised patients. In stem cell transplant recipients, IA now occurs most frequently in the setting of therapy with corticosteroids, including methylprednisolone (MP). We showed previously that gliotoxin (GT), an AF-derived mycotoxin, induces apoptosis in monocytes and dendritic cells, resulting in the suppression of AF-specific T cell responses. We examined the ability of GT to induce apoptosis in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and assessed GT effects on important neutrophil functions, including phagocytic function, degranulation, myeloperoxidase activity, and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In contrast to its effects on monocytes, PMN remained resistant to GT-mediated apoptosis. Although many essential neutrophil functions were unaffected, GT inhibited phagocytosis and also induced a decrease in ROS generation by PMN. In contrast, MP therapy potentiated ROS production, suggesting a mechanism that may facilitate tissue injury in IA. Distinct from its effects on untreated PMN, GT augmented ROS production in MP-treated PMN. Our results suggest that although GT may suppress the adaptive immune response, GT may also serve to increase PMN-mediated inflammation, which is likely to play an important role in tissue destruction in the setting of IA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Orciuolo
- Department of Oncology, Transplant and Advances in Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy.
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Czock D, Keller F, Rasche FM, Häussler U. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of systemically administered glucocorticoids. Clin Pharmacokinet 2005; 44:61-98. [PMID: 15634032 DOI: 10.2165/00003088-200544010-00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 542] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids have pleiotropic effects that are used to treat diverse diseases such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and acute kidney transplant rejection. The most commonly used systemic glucocorticoids are hydrocortisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone and dexamethasone. These glucocorticoids have good oral bioavailability and are eliminated mainly by hepatic metabolism and renal excretion of the metabolites. Plasma concentrations follow a biexponential pattern. Two-compartment models are used after intravenous administration, but one-compartment models are sufficient after oral administration.The effects of glucocorticoids are mediated by genomic and possibly nongenomic mechanisms. Genomic mechanisms include activation of the cytosolic glucocorticoid receptor that leads to activation or repression of protein synthesis, including cytokines, chemokines, inflammatory enzymes and adhesion molecules. Thus, inflammation and immune response mechanisms may be modified. Nongenomic mechanisms might play an additional role in glucocorticoid pulse therapy. Clinical efficacy depends on glucocorticoid pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Pharmacokinetic parameters such as the elimination half-life, and pharmacodynamic parameters such as the concentration producing the half-maximal effect, determine the duration and intensity of glucocorticoid effects. The special contribution of either of these can be distinguished with pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analysis. We performed simulations with a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model using T helper cell counts and endogenous cortisol as biomarkers for the effects of methylprednisolone. These simulations suggest that the clinical efficacy of low-dose glucocorticoid regimens might be increased with twice-daily glucocorticoid administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Czock
- Division of Nephrology, University Hospital Ulm, Robert-Koch-Str. 8, Ulm 89081, Germany
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