<qa>  What is the benefit-risk ratio of oral corticosteroids?Systemic corticosteroid treatment is often proposed for exacerbations treatment, although guidelines in this area are heterogeneous regarding precise indications of this treatment. The latest data from the literature, seems to show efficacy of oral corticosteroids but involved only patients seen at the hospital. General practitioners need evidence-base informations to choose whether or not they have to give oral corticosteroids to their patients ; therefore it is very important to better define the benefit-risk ratio and precise indications of oral corticosteroids as part of the care for COPD exacerbations. 