Table 1. Studies describing the use of high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.
Fist author [ref.] | Patients | Age years | M/F | Risk factor | Mean serum IgE IU·mL−1 | Methylprednisolone dose | Steroid duration | Outcomes | Side-effects | |
Thomson [9] | 4 | 6.075 (1.7–8.2) | 3/1 | CF | 2950.5 | 20 mg·kg−1 every 4 weeks | 4 years | 3 out of 4 patients had clinical stabilisation | Hypertension and hyperglycaemia in one patient each | |
Cohen-Cymberknoh [10] | 9 | 17.1 (7–36) | 4/5 | CF | 542 | 10–15 mg·kg−1 (max 1 g) every 4 weeks | 6–10 months | Significant improvement in FEV1 and decreased IgE in all cases | Weight gain and psychiatric disorder in one patient each | |
Thomas [11] | 1 | 11 | 1/0 | CF | 9178 | 20 mg·kg−1 for 3 days followed by 10 mg·kg−1 for 3 days | 6 days | Clinical stabilisation | ||
Skov [12] | 25 | 19.9 (10–34) | 16/9 | CF | NA | 15 mg·kg−1 | 3–7 months | Clinical stabilisation; reduction in the number of exacerbations | Minimal side-effects |
Data are presented as n or mean (range), unless otherwise stated. M: males; F: females; CF: cystic fibrosis; NA: not available; FEV1: forced expiratory volume in 1 s.