184: Glucocorticoids Flashcards
What are the three main mechanisms of glucocorticoid action?
- Direct effects on gene expression: Glucocorticoid receptors bind to glucocorticoid-responsive elements, inducing proteins like annexin I and MAPK phosphatase, which reduce phospholipase A2 activity and limit prostaglandin and leukotriene formation.
- Indirect effects on gene expression: Glucocorticoid receptors interact with other transcription factors, inhibiting AP-1 and nuclear factor κB, which decreases the synthesis of proinflammatory molecules such as cytokines and interleukins.
- Receptor-mediated effects on second messenger cascades: This involves nongenomic pathways like the phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase (PI3K)-Akt-eNOS pathway.
What are the cellular side effects of corticosteroids?
- Monocytopenia, eosinopenia, and lymphocytopenia: Greater effect on T cells than B cells.
- Lymphocytopenia: Caused by redistribution of cells to other lymphoid tissues.
- Increase in circulating polymorphonuclear leukocytes: Related to demargination from the bone marrow.
- Decreased macrophage functions: Including phagocytosis and antigen processing, affecting hypersensitivity responses.
- Suppression of monocyte and lymphocyte function: More than polymorphonuclear leukocyte function, clinically significant in granulomatous diseases.
What are the indications for glucocorticoid use in dermatology?
Short courses of glucocorticoids may be used for:
- Contact dermatitis
- Atopic dermatitis
- Photodermatitis
- Exfoliative dermatitis
- Erythrodermas
The use of glucocorticoids is controversial in treating:
- Erythema nodosum
- Lichen planus
- Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
- Discoid lupus erythematosus.
What factors determine the dosing regimen for systemic glucocorticoids?
The dosing regimen for systemic glucocorticoids is determined by:
1. Nature of the disease: The specific condition being treated.
2. Extent of the disease: Severity and spread of the lesions.
3. Route of administration: Options include intralesional, oral, intramuscular, and intravenous.
What risks should be considered when prescribing glucocorticoids to a patient with granulomatous tuberculosis?
Glucocorticoids suppress monocyte and lymphocyte function, increasing the risk of exacerbation and relapse of granulomatous infectious diseases like tuberculosis.
Why is the use of glucocorticoids in erythema nodosum controversial?
The use of glucocorticoids in erythema nodosum is controversial due to limited evidence supporting their efficacy in this condition.
What is the likely mechanism for steroid-induced hyperglycemia?
Steroid-induced hyperglycemia occurs due to increased gluconeogenesis and insulin resistance caused by glucocorticoids.
What is the likely mechanism for steroid-induced immunosuppression leading to infection?
Glucocorticoids suppress monocyte and lymphocyte function, reducing the immune response and increasing susceptibility to infections.
What is the major naturally occurring glucocorticoid?
Cortisol (hydrocortisone), synthesized from cholesterol by the adrenal cortex.
What percentage of circulating cortisol is unbound and active?
Less than 5%.
What is the average daily cortisol production?
5 to 7 mg/m2, with a diurnal peak around 8:00 am.
How do glucocorticoids affect macrophage functions?
They decrease macrophage functions, including phagocytosis, antigen processing, and cell killing.
What routes can systemic glucocorticoids be administered?
Intralesionally, orally, intramuscularly, and intravenously.
What is a consideration when using glucocorticoids on the face?
Lower concentrations are used to prevent atrophy of the skin.
What are the two primary situations in which intravenous glucocorticoids are used?
- To provide stress coverage for patients who are acutely ill or undergoing surgery and have adrenal suppression from daily glucocorticoid use.
- For patients with certain diseases such as resistant pyoderma gangrenosum, severe pemphigus, or serious systemic lupus erythematosus, to gain rapid control of the disease and minimize the need for long-term, high-dose oral steroid therapy.
What are the fundamental principles to consider before initiating therapy with glucocorticoids?
- Weigh the expected benefits against potential side effects.
- Consider alternative or adjunctive therapies, especially for long-term treatment.
- Take into account coexisting illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis.
- Assess the patient’s predisposition to side effects as part of the risk evaluation.
What dietary recommendations should be followed for patients on glucocorticoids?
- Diet should be low in calories, fat, and sodium, and high in protein, potassium, and calcium as tolerated.
- Minimize the use of alcohol, coffee, and nicotine.
- Encourage exercise to help manage side effects.
What precautions should be taken regarding infections for patients on glucocorticoids?
- Patients receiving glucocorticoid doses of 15 mg or greater for 1 month or longer should be screened for tuberculosis with a tuberculin skin test.
- Pay special attention to patients on high doses with underlying lung disease or low lymphocyte counts, as they are at increased risk for infections such as Pneumocystis pneumonia.
What considerations should be made when choosing among glucocorticoids?
- Select a preparation with minimal mineralocorticoid effect to decrease sodium retention.
- Prefer long-term use of prednisone or similar drugs with intermediate half-life and weak steroid-receptor affinity to reduce side effects.
- If a patient does not respond to cortisone or prednisone, consider substituting with cortisol or prednisolone.
What is the recommended limit for the total monthly dose of Kenalog to avoid HPA axis suppression?
20 mg.
What serious side effects are associated with intravenous administration of glucocorticoids?
Anaphylactic reactions, seizures, arrhythmias, and sudden death.
What should be monitored before and after pulse therapy with glucocorticoids?
Serum electrolytes.
What is the importance of considering coexisting illnesses before starting glucocorticoid therapy?
To assess the risk of side effects and tailor treatment accordingly.
What should be included in the baseline evaluation before starting glucocorticoid therapy?
A personal and family history with attention to predisposition to diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, glaucoma, and associated diseases.