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2000
Volume 26, Issue 1
  • ISSN: 1871-5303
  • E-ISSN: 2212-3873
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Abstract

Introduction

This study aims to investigate the relationship between steroid use, adrenal suppression, and frequent emergency department (ED) visits in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Systemic glucocorticoids are commonly prescribed in the management of COPD exacerbations; however, prolonged or repeated steroid use may lead to adrenal suppression. Although the standard steroid regimen for COPD exacerbations is short-term, frequent ED visits may result in cumulative steroid exposure, raising concerns about adrenal insufficiency and its clinical consequences.

This study investigates the potential association between steroid-induced adrenal suppression and frequent ED visits among COPD patients. It further examines the impact of steroid administration on cortisol and Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels.

Methods

This prospective, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in a university-based ED. Patients with COPD, with dyspnea and who presented to the ED between 06:00-08:00 were included. Demographics, previous presentations to the ED, medications used, hormone levels, and other laboratory results were recorded.

Results

Fifty patients (82% were male) included. Sputum symptoms along with incidences of heart failure were higher in patients who received steroids in the ED. Ronchi was higher, crackles and pretibial edema were lower in the patients who received steroids in the ED. Among the patients with low cortisol levels, the frequency of patients who received steroids in the ED was higher than those who did not.

Conclusion

Primary healthcare clinicians should monitor COPD patients for potential adrenal insufficiency. Careful regulation of steroid dosages during exacerbation treatment and minimizing polypharmacy are essential to mitigate the long-term effects of prolonged steroid use.

© 2026 The Author(s). Published by Bentham Science Publishers.
This is an open access article published under CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode
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Steroid Use, Adrenal Suppression, and Emergency Department Visits in COPD Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 26, E18715303397988 (2026); https://doi.org/10.2174/0118715303397988250428050120
/content/journals/emiddt/10.2174/0118715303397988250428050120
/content/journals/emiddt/10.2174/0118715303397988250428050120
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  • Article Type:     Research Article
Keyword(s): ACTH; adrenal suppression; COPD exacerbation; cortisol; steroids; systemic glucocorticoids

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