American Review of Respiratory Disease · 1991 · 33 citations · 19 references
MedicinePharmacologyPharmacotherapyPulmonary Function TestingRespiratory PharmacotherapySteroid BiochemistryCorticosteroid TherapyMuscle Strength AssessmentMuscular EnduranceRespiratory Muscle Strength TestingRespiratory PathophysiologyRespiratory PharmacologyDiaphragmatic StrengthDouble-blind TrialsInspiratory Muscle EndurancePrednisone UseRespiratory Muscle EnduranceRespiratory Muscle PerformanceRespiratory Muscle StrengthRespiratory Muscle Strength Measurement
We examined the effects of prednisone administration on respiratory muscle function in humans using a double-blind study with a placebo control group. A total of 16 normal subjects were randomized to receive 20 mg prednisone daily (n = 8) or placebo daily (n = 8) for 2 wk. Inspiratory muscle strength (Pimax), expiratory muscle strength (PEmax), diaphragmatic strength (Pdimax), and inspiratory muscle endurance were measured at the beginning and end of the study. There was no significant change with treatment for Pimax (-145 +/- 7 to -138 +/- 6 cm H2O), PEmax (171 +/- 17 to 169 +/- 14 cm H2O), Pdimax (194 +/- 11 to 196 +/- 12 cm H2O), or endurance (76 +/- 3 to 77 +/- 4%) for the prednisone group and no significant difference between the two groups. We conclude that prednisone in moderate dosage has no significant effect on respiratory muscle function in humans, at least in the short term.
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