EFFECT OF INHALED CORTICOSTEROIDS ON ARTERIAL BLOOD GASES IN CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE PATIENTS

Objective: To determine the alteration in arterial blood gases values in patients with acute COPD exacerbation after using corticosteroids. Methods: This is Quasi experimental study, conducted in a period of 6 months from June to December, 2017 at Bahawalpur Victoria hospital. Results: 45.5±11.1 years is the mean age of patients. Mean paO2 and PaCO2 are 59±4.4 mmHg and 57.3±2.8 mmHg. The difference between values in beginning and end of treatment was recorded, which was highly significant. Conclusion: A significant improvement in PaO2 was noted after inhaled corticosteroid use in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD, meanwhile a significant reduction in PaCO2 was also noted. Key Words: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD), forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1), Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), St. George respiratory questionnaire score (SGRQ), Forced vital capacity (FVC), Modified medical research council (MMRC)