Treatment of sarcoidosis patients by steroid aerosol: a ten-year prospective study from Eastern India.

In a consecutive series of 113 cases of biopsy - proven sarcoidosis from Eastern India (1972-1986), steroid aerosols were used in 345 episodes, either alone or with one of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (and added chloroquin) or with oral steroids. These, being analysed in detail, revealed satisfactory results only when used with other drugs. Used alone, its role is limited due to high cost, absence of systemic action unless used in high dosage, "hand to lung" delivery problem and difficulty of using in children. It is unsuitable in cases with life - threatening symptoms, neurological or cardiac problems. If used judiciously with suitable companion drugs, it can be used very effectively and can replace oral steroids in many patients.