“Patient remodeling” as a consequence of uncontrolled and prolonged OCS use in severe asthma: how biologic therapy can reverse a dangerous trend

Abstract

Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that can lead to airways remodeling. Despite their well-known side-effects, oral corticosteroids (OCS) continue to be used to reduce exacerbations and control asthma symptoms in many patients.

Case Study

We describe two cases of uncontrolled severe asthma characterized by systemic clinical consequences of prolonged OCS use, such as diabetes, weight gain, and osteoporosis.

Results

Both patients were treated with Dupilumab. During follow-up both patients showed an improvement in asthma control and were able to gradually taper the OCS dose, thus reducing the clinical burden associated with hypercortisolism.

Conclusion

Dupilumab was able to control both the inflammatory-induced “airway remodeling” as well as the OCS-induced “patient remodeling”.

Keywords:

• Bronchial asthma
• oral corticosteroids
• dupilumab
• remodeling

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.