[Hinews] Researchers in South Korea report that high-dose inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use may be associated with an elevated risk of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive and debilitating lung disease. The work, led by Dr. Hee Young Yoon, a pulmonologist at Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, drew on data from the country's National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort, analyzing 57,456 patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma between 2002 and 2019.

Among those studied, 9,492—or 16.5 percent—used inhaled corticosteroids. The participants were stratified into high-, medium-, and low-dose groups based on their daily inhaled corticosteroid exposure. Patients prescribed high doses—defined as 1,000 micrograms or more per day—had an approximately 3.99-fold higher hazard ratio for developing IPF compared with non-users. By comparison, typical doses carried no apparent added risk.

High-dose, long-term inhaled steroid use may increase the risk of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, according to a South Korean study.(Image: ClipArtKorea)
High-dose, long-term inhaled steroid use may increase the risk of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, according to a South Korean study.(Image: ClipArtKorea)


The connection stood out most in those with chronic airway conditions like COPD or asthma. The analysis indicated that younger patients had a comparatively lower risk than older individuals.
Dr. Yoon urged restraint in drawing conclusions, saying, “This study shows an association between high-dose inhaled corticosteroid use and increased risk of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, but it does not establish causation.” She recommended avoiding needless long-term high doses and called for routine checks to adjust prescriptions as needed.

Dr. Hee Young Yoon, pulmonologist at Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital.(Photo courtesy of Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital)
Dr. Hee Young Yoon, pulmonologist at Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital.(Photo courtesy of Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital)


The findings were published in May in BMJ Open Respiratory Research, a peer-reviewed journal of the British Medical Association.

키워드

#흡입스테로이드#특발성폐섬유증#천식#COPD#만성기도질환
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