Corticosteroids improve lung function and quality of life in subjects with biomass fuel (BMF) smoke exposures induced COPD

BMF smoke is an important cause of non-smoking COPD. We have previously reported that patients with BMF-COPD have predominant airway involvement and less parenchymal involvement. We aimed to study the effect of 2-weeks treatment with oral corticosteroids on spirometric indices &amp; quality of life of BMF-COPD as assesed by SGRQ. <b>Methods:</b> 25 BMF-COPD subjects (mean age 63.6±8.3, all females) participated in a 2-week placebo treatment followed by a 2-week steroid treatment period in a single-blind, placebo-controlled manner. Prednisolone in a dose of 30 mg/day was administered during the steroid treatment period. Pre and post bronchodilator spirometry was performed at baseline after 2weeks of placebo treatment and after 2weeks of steroid treatment. The differences in total SGRQ scores were measured at the end of each treatment period. <b>Results:</b> Pre bronchodilator FEV₁ FVC and FEF25-75% did not change within 2 weeks of steroid treatment. However, significant changes were noted in post-bronchodilator FEV1 (p=0.001), FVC (p=0.016) and FEF 25-75% (p=0.006) values. Total SGRQ values increased after placebo treatment (mean change: +5.75± 9.25:p=0.008)and reduced after steroid treatment (mean change: -9.27 ± 15.5:p=0.009). <b>Conclusion:</b> 2 weeks of oral corticosteroid treatment significantly improved post bronchodilator spirometric indices as well as quality of life in subjects with BMF-COPD.