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