Glucocorticoids.

Indication = Immunosuppression. Anti-inflammatory.

Anti-inflammatory.

Dose = 0.5 to 1mgs per kg body weight.

Side effects

  • Infections – more likely, flare of underlying dormant infections.
  • Growth - delay by prem closure of growth plates
  • Psychiatric – insomnia, appetite stimulation ,agitation, euphoria, psychosis
  • Bone – osteoporosis, aseptic necrosis
  • CVS – HTN. Oedema. Raises lipids.
  • Endocrine – DM, Cushing’s if high dose, Adrenal cortex suppressed
  • Ophthalmology – Cataract, glaucoma
  • Skin – acne, hirsutism, striae, bruising, infections, delayed healing.
  • Myopathy
  • Steroid induced gastritis
  • VTE risk
  • Menstrual irregularity.

 

Watch in SPORT.

C/I with LIVE vaccines x 3/12.

If prolonged course – TAPER.

IF > 7.5mgs daily dose – consider bone protection.

Consider PPI concomitantly.

C/I.

  • Active or latent Tuberculosis
  • herpes simplex infection esp .of the eye
  • Wide-Angle Glaucoma
  • Cataracts
  • Osteoporosis
  • Varicella Zoster Virus
  • Measles
  • avascular necrosis of bone