@article {Yamaguchi:October 2007:1081-1206:371,
	author = "Yamaguchi, Masafumi",
	author = "Niimi, Akio",
	author = "Minakuchi, Masayoshi",
	author = "Matsumoto, Hisako",
	author = "Shimizu, Koichi",
	author = "Chin, Kazuo",
	author = "Mishima, Michiaki",
	title = "Corticosteroid-induced myopathy mimicking therapy-resistant asthma",
	journal = "Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology",
	volume = "99",
	year = "October 2007",
	abstract = "Background: Therapy-resistant asthma is an important clinical problem. However, before considering asthma truly therapy resistant, it is essential to exclude diagnoses that may masquerade as therapy-resistant asthma, such as vocal cord dysfunction and recurrent aspiration, as well as factors related to loss of asthma control, including poor compliance, exposure to allergens, and sinusitis. Corticosteroid-induced myopathy may be an unrecognized but potentially important consideration in both settings.<P></P> <P></P> Objectives: To describe a patient with corticosteroid-induced myopathy complicating recurrent exacerbations of asthma, which presented with persistently reduced airflow that mimicked therapy-resistant asthma.<P></P> <P></P> Methods: A 20-year-old Japanese woman with severe intractable asthma who had a history of near-fatal attacks was admitted with recurrent asthma exacerbations that required long-term systemic corticosteroids.<P></P> <P></P> Results: Wheezing episodes decreased but airflow limitation persisted, which was due to not only uncontrolled asthma but also corticosteroid-induced myopathy. Myopathy prevented the adequate use of inhalers, which in turn complicated the tapering of corticosteroids, leading to a vicious cycle. Careful and gradual reduction of corticosteroid dose, while continuing systemic administration of nonsteroidal antiasthma medications, resulted in a resolution of clinical and electromyographic signs of myopathy and pulmonary function abnormalities.<P></P> <P></P> Conclusions: Corticosteroid-induced myopathy can masquerade as therapy-resistant asthma and can cause poor asthma control.",
	pages = "371-374(4)",
	url = "http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/acaai/aaai/2007/00000099/00000004/art00015"
}