ABSTRACT
Systemic corticosteroids are frequently used in the treatment of respiratory disorders. Indeed, they are still an essential part of the treatment of diseases associated with airflow obstruction, interstitial lung disease, status asthmaticus, and rejection of pulmonary transplant. This treatment is associated with a multitude of side effects, including cushingoid appearance, increased capillary fragility, osteoporosis, hypertension, obesity, aseptic necrosis of the femoral head, and myopathy. Osteoporosis is probably the most significant of these side effects. The present chapter will focus on the myopathy induced by treatment with systemic corticosteroids. This myopathy is particularly interesting in COPD patients because weakness of the respiratory muscles may enhance complaints of dyspnea and precipitate respiratory failure in patients who already face an increased ventilatory load. In addition, weakness of the peripheral muscles may contribute to reduced exercise tolerance.
