Autoimmune Conditions Flashcards
What are the two main steroids of the body, which regulates what
Cortisol and Aldosterone
Cortisol: regulates inflammation
Aldosterone: regulates a balance of water and electrolytes
What is the steroid that most mimics aldosterone
Fludrocortisone
T/F: Fludrocortisone is approved for use in Addison’s disease
True
What is Cushing’s syndrome
Too much cortisol made from the adrenal glands, or the amount of exogenous steroids is more than the body produces
What is addison’s disease
Not enough cortisol is being made
What are the two most potent systemic steroids
Betamethasone and Dexamethasone
What are the the 4 intermediate acting systemic steroids
Triamcinolone, Methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone
What are the two short acting systemic steroids
Hydrocortisone and cortisone
T/F: Cortisone is the prodrug of cortisol
True
T/F: Prednisone is the prodrug of prednisolone
True
How does the medrol therapy pack work?
Gives a high dose initially to quickly reduce inflammation then taper the dose down to treat remaining inflammation without a rebound attack
What is a medrol therapy pack
21 x 4 mg tablets of methylprednisolone given over 6 days
How is day 1 of the medrol pack taken
2 tablets before breakfast, 1 tablet after lunch, 1 tablet after dinner, 2 tablets at bedtime
How is day 2 of the medrol pack taken
1 tablet before breakfast, 1 tablet after lunch, 1 tablet after dinner, 2 tablets at bedtime
How is day 3 of the medrol pack taken
1 tablet before breakfast, 1 tablet after lunch, 1 tablet after dinner, 1 tablet before bedtime
How is day 4, 5, and 6 of the medrol pack taken
Day 4: 1 tablet before breakfast, 1 tablet after lunch, 1 tablet before bedtime
Day 5: 1 tablet before breakfast, 1 tablet before bedtime
Day 6: 1 tablet before breakfast
What are the risk of strong immunsupression
Increased risk of tuberculos and hepatitis B and C (must treat prior to start of immunosuppresive drugs)
Viruses
Lymphomas and skin cancers
Infections
What is the initial therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis, how should it be given
Methotrexate
7.5 to 20 mg a week (NOT DOSED DAILY)
What are the TNF-inhibitors
Etanercept (Enbrel)
Adalimumab (Humira)
Infliximab (Remicade)
Golimumab (Simponi)
What are the DMARDs used in RA
Methotrexate, Hydroxychloroquine, Leflunamide
Which DMARDS cannot be used in pregnancy
Methotrexate and Leflunamide
