corticosteroids Flashcards
use of CCs in psoriasis
should be avoided or only used under specialist supervision
primary example of mineralocorticoid
aldosterone
Main function, MOA, Effects on Body and Regulation of mineralocorticoids (primary example: aldosterone)
Main Functions: Regulate electrolyte and water balance.
Mechanism of Action: Act on the kidneys to increase the reabsorption of sodium and water, while promoting the excretion of potassium.
Effects on the Body: Helps maintain blood pressure and fluid balance.
Regulation: Primarily regulated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and potassium levels.
primary example of glucocorticoid
cortisol
Main function of GCs
Main Functions: Influence carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism; suppress the immune system; reduce inflammation.
which drug can be used to treat postural hypotension in autonomic neuropathy and why
mineralocorticoid activity of fludrocortisone
- increases BP by reabsorption of water and sodium
- SE include oedema
why is dexamethasone and betamethasone suitable for suppressing corticotropin secretion in congenital adrenal hyperplasia
have little if any mineralocorticoid action and have a long duration of action
dose should be tailored to clinical response and by measurement of adrenal androgens and 17-hydroxyprogesterone.
as with all GCs, their suppressive action on the hypothalamic- pituitary-adrenal axis is greatest and most prolonged when they are given at night.
by reducing ACTH levels, they help lower the production of adrenal androgens, which are often elevated in CAH.
When is the suppressive action on the HPA axis greatest for GCs e.g. dexameth, beta
In common with all glucocorticoids their suppressive action on the hypothalamic- pituitary-adrenal axis is greatest and most prolonged when they are given at night.
How to diagnose Cushing’s syndrome
In most individuals a single dose of dexamethasone at night, is sufficient to inhibit corticotropin secretion for 24 hours. This is the basis of the ‘overnight dexamethasone suppression test’ for diagnosing Cushing’s syndrome.
Negative test = low cortisol in morning blood test, indicating HPA axis is functioning normally
Positive test for Cushing’s syndrome = high cortisol
name 2 CCs that are appropriate for conditions where water retention would be a disadvantage
betamethasone
dexamethasone
which ccs should be avoided for management of septic shock
high dose ccs
but there is evidence that admin of lower doses of HC and fludrocortisone is of benefit in adrenal insufficiency resulting from septic shock
5 side effects of mineralocorticoids
- hypertension
- sodium retention
- water retention
- potassium loss
- calcium loss
mineralocorticoid side effects are most marked with this drug
fludrocortisone
mineralocorticoid side effects are most marked with fludrocortisone, but are significant with the following 3 drugs
HC, corticotropin, tetracosactide
there are negligible mineralocorticoid actions with the high potency GCs betamethasone and dexamethasone, but they do occur slightly with the following three drugs
methylprednisolone, prednisolone, and triamcinolone.
6 SE of glucocorticoids
- diabetes
- osteoporosis (danger esp in elderly as can result in osteoporotic fractures e.g. hip or vertebrae)
- high doses associated with avascular necrosis of femoral head
- muscle wasting
- CC therapy weakly linked with peptic ulcers and perforation
- psychiatric reactions
main way to manage side effects of CCs
- use lowest effective dose for minimum period possible
suppressive action of a CC on cortisol secretion is least when it is….
given as a single dose in the morning
In an attempt to reduce pituitary-adrenal suppression further, what can you do regarding adminsitration of CCs?
total dose for two days can sometimes be taken as a single dose on alternate days; alternate-day administration has not been very successful in the management of asthma.
side effects of CCs - MHRA advice on rare risk of central serous chorioretinopathy with local and systemic administration
- retinal disorder linked to systemic use of CCs, and local aswell
- pt to report any blurred vision and other visual disturbances with CC treatment
- consider referral to ophthalmologist for elevation of possible causes if a pt presents with vision problems
glucocorticoid suppression action on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is greatest and most prolonged when they are given…
at night
in most individuals a single dose of …… at night is sufficient to inhibit corticotropin secretion for 24h
dexamethasone
overnight dexamethasone suppression test for diagnosing Cushing’s syndrome
- finds out if there is excess amount of cortisol in body
- after measuring baseline cortisol, dexamethasone is given with the intention of suppressing cortisol
- if it does not suppress after taking dexamethasone at night, it means there is too much cortisol production aka Cushing’s syndrome
why is dexamethasone given to pt to diagnose cushings syndrome
In most individuals a single dose of dexamethasone at night, is sufficient to inhibit corticotropin secretion for 24 hours
therefore if cortisol has not reduced, it means they have the syndrome
should a CC be used for management of head injury or stroke
no - unlikely to be of benefit and may even be harmful
can a cc be used in the management of raised intracranial pressure or cerebral oedema that occurs as a result of malignancy (see Prescribing in palliative care).
yes
prescribing in palliative care: A corticosteroid (such as dexamethasone) can provide temporary symptomatic relief from pain (or headaches) due to raised intracranial pressure from cerebral oedema.
how does adrenal insufficiency occur
as a result of inadequate production of steroid hormones in adrenal cortex
what are the two main groups of steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex and what primarily regulates their production?
- GCs (e.g. cortisol) - production largely regulation by HPA
- MCs (e.g. aldosterone) - production largely regulated by renin-angiotensin system
symptoms of adrenal insufficiency can be mild, non-specific, and may include
fatigue, gastrointestinal upset, anorexia, weight loss, musculoskeletal symptoms, salt cravings, and dizziness or syncope due to hypotension.
classifications of adrenal insufficiency
- primary
- secondary
- tertiary
primary adrenal insufficiency results from disorders that affect the …….. e.g. ……..
adrenal cortex e.g. Addison’ disease, congenital adrenal hyperplasia
secondary adrenal insufficiency results from disorders of the …. e.g. ……
anterior pituitary gland e.g. pituitary tumour or subarachnoid haemorrhage
tertiary adrenal insufficiency results from disorders of the ….. e.g. …..
hypothalamus e.g. HPA axis suppression
Some drugs can also cause adrenal insufficiency. for example the systemic use of ….. is most common cause due to suppression of the HPA axis
GC
this is an example of tertiary adrenal insufficiency (hypothalamic)
what is the most common cause of adrenal insufficiency and how?
systemic use of GC due to suppression of HPA axis
if GC are stopped or decreased too quickly after prolonged, …..
endogenous glucocorticoid production may not be sufficient to meet the body’s needs. this could result in adrenal crisis (acute adrenal insufficiency)
life threatening symptoms of adrenal crisis
- severe dehydration
- hypotension
- hypovalaemic shock
- altered consciousness
- seizures
- stroke
- cardiac arrest
- if untreated can lead to death or permanent disability
what should pt with adrenal insufficiency and steroid dependence who are at risk of adrenal crisis be provided with and why?
A patient-held Steroid Emergency Card (different to steroid treatment card)
It aims to support healthcare staff with the early recognition of patients at risk of adrenal crisis and the emergency treatment of adrenal crisis. All eligible patients should be issued a Steroid Emergency Card. Providers that treat patients with acute physical illness or trauma, or who may require emergency treatment, elective surgery, or other invasive procedures, should establish processes to check for risk of adrenal crisis and confirm if the patient has a Steroid Emergency Card.
adrenal crisis can occur in pt particular during times of increased need e.g. …… as pt are unable to mount a stress response buy increasing endogenous GC production
surgery
infection
trauma
treatment of adrenal insufficiency
physiological glucocorticoid replacement with mainly hydrocortisone (most similar to cortisol), prednisolone, or rarely dexamethasone.
pt with primary adrenal insufficiency usually also require mineralocorticoid replacement with …. due to aldosterone deficiency
fludrocortisone
think - makes sense because primary = from adrenal cortex. adrenal cortex produces both GC and MC so would also need MC replacement
Some patients, usually those with secondary or tertiary adrenal insufficiency, including treatment with exogenous steroids or other drugs (such as some antifungals and antiretroviral medication), may have a suboptimal cortisol response but…..
do not require maintenance GC treatment