Case
I have a lady who would like to do our MWL program. She is currently taking 17.5 mg of prednisone daily for emphysema. Her doctor saw that steroids were a contraindication for the program. Is it?
Treatment Recommendation
My concern would be greater tendency to lose muscle at this high dose. However a 12 week plan likely would have significant respiratory benefits and others with little risk. I would feel more comfortable with 5-10 mg dose but if weight loss is critical then a 12 week plan and a clear focus on muscle strengthening post VLCD would seem to be a compromise. I would make sure that her lungs are stable enough that a hospitalization for COPD would be very unlikely. —Christopher Case, MD