[Role of corticosteroid therapy in non-malignant diseases].

INTRODUCTION

As short-term corticosteroid therapy is widely used in clinical practice, it is important to determine its precise indications and limits of use.

CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND KEY POINTS

Duration of short-term corticosteroid therapy is arbitrarily considered to be up to 21 days. Anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative or analgesic actions represent the main pharmacological features of steroids. They are related to the interactions of steroids with cytokines and immune cells. Results of randomized double-blind and uncontrolled clinical studies were included in this review. Furthermore, clearly demonstrated results that were obtained more particularly in neurology, otorhinolaryngology, pneumology, infectious diseases, rheumatologic and traumatic processes are summarized.

FUTURE PROSPECTS AND PROJECTS

Indications for short-term corticosteroid therapy are well established. However, further clinical studies are required, as current prescription of corticosteroid is still empirical in the management of most diseases.