Adrenal Steroids - Complications of Corticosteroid Therapy

Question 1

What are the Complications of Corticosteroid Therapy?

Answer 1

1 - CNS: Nervousness, insomnia, euphoria, sense of well-being. Psychosis with large doses
2 - Increased intraocular pressure and sub capsular cataracts
3 - Nausea and vomiting, may exacerbate ulcers
4 - Muscle and Skeletal: Myopathy (muscle wasting and weakness due to protein catabolism). Negative calcium balance (osteoporosis). Growth inhibition in children.
5 - Metabolic: Hypokalemia (weakness. Enhanced Digitalis toxicity). Hyperglycemia
6 - High Dose Steroids can cause Cushing’s Syndrome (abrupt withdrawal)