A 60-year-old man with COPD presents with increased breathlessness, wheeze and purulent sputum for 3 days. He has no signs of pneumonia and can manage...

Question

A 60-year-old man with COPD presents with increased breathlessness, wheeze and purulent sputum for 3 days. He has no signs of pneumonia and can manage oral medication. What is the most appropriate oral corticosteroid regimen for this exacerbation?

Accepted Answer

Prednisolone 30 mg once daily for 5 days

Answer

Prednisolone 5 mg once daily for 4 weeks then taper

Answer

Hydrocortisone 100 mg IV three times daily for 7 days

Answer

Dexamethasone 8 mg once daily for 10 days

Answer

No corticosteroids are indicated in COPD exacerbations

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): COPD exacerbation

A 60-year-old man with COPD presents with increased breathlessness, wheeze and purulent sputum for 3 days. He has no signs of pneumonia and can manage oral medication. What is the most appropriate oral corticosteroid regimen for this exacerbation?