Management of repository corticotrophin injection therapy for pulmonary sarcoidosis: a Delphi study

Eur Respir Rev. 2020 Mar 20;29(155):190147. doi: 10.1183/16000617.0147-2019. Print 2020 Mar 31.

Abstract

In patients treated with repository corticotrophin injection (RCI) for pulmonary sarcoidosis, effective management of adverse events may improve adherence. However, management of adverse events may be challenging due to limitations in real-world clinical experience with RCI and available published guidelines.We surveyed 12 physicians with a modified Delphi process using three questionnaires. Questionnaire 1 consisted of open-ended questions. Panellists' answers were developed into a series of statements for Questionnaires 2 and 3. In these, physicians rated their agreement with the statements using a Likert scale.Key consensus recommendations included a starting dose of 40 units twice a week for patients with less severe disease, continued at a maintenance dose for patients who responded, particularly those with chronic refractory sarcoidosis. Panellists reached consensus that concomitant steroids should be quickly tapered in patients receiving RCI, but that concomitant use of immunosuppressive medications should be continued. Panellists developed consensus recommendations for adverse event management, and reached consensus that RCI should be down-titrated or discontinued if other interventions for the adverse effects fail or if the adverse effect is severe.In the absence of clinical evidence, our Delphi consensus opinions may provide practical guidance to physicians on the management of RCI to treat pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / administration & dosage*
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / adverse effects
  • Consensus
  • Delphi Technique
  • Drug Tapering
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Hormones / administration & dosage*
  • Hormones / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage
  • Injections
  • Lung / drug effects*
  • Lung / physiopathology
  • Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary / diagnosis
  • Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary / drug therapy*
  • Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary / physiopathology
  • Steroids / administration & dosage
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Hormones
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Steroids
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone