Oral steroids for bronchiectasis (stable and acute exacerbations).

BACKGROUND: Inflammation plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of bronchiectasis. Two small studies have shown small benefits from inhaled corticosteroids and oral corticosteroids may be of benefit in bronchiectasis

OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of oral corticosteroids in acute and stable bronchiectasis

SEARCH STRATEGY: The Cochrane Airways Group clinical trials register, derived from MEDLINE, EMBASE and hand searching of major journals, was searched using the terms bronchiectasis AND corticosteroid* OR (beclomethasone, cortisone, deflazacort, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, dexamethasone and triamcinolone

SELECTION CRITERIA: Only randomised controlled trials were considered

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: No trials met the inclusion criteria for the review

MAIN RESULTS: No randomised controlled trials were identified

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There are no randomised trials upon which to make recommendations about the use of oral corticosteroids in acute or stable bronchiectasis.