corticosteroids

Question 1

corticosteroids
what are they
types of corticodsteroids

Answer 1

• Corticosteroids are naturally occurring hormones produced by the adrenal cortex
• Glucocorticoids (cortisol)
• mainly affect carbohydrate and
  protein metabolism
• Mineralocorticoids (aldosterone)
• regulate electrolyte and water metabolism

Question 2

corticosteroid function

Answer 2

Increase blood glucose and
liver glycogen

Question 3

How do corticosteroids mediate inflammation

Answer 3

• act on macrophages, lymphocytes, and endothelial cells to inhibit expression of cytokines [inflammatory proteins]
• reduce #s of lymphocytes, eosinophils [hormones that promote inflammation]
• inhibit production of adhesion molecules so leukocytes cant find them
• reduce vascular permeability by suppressing histamine & kinins [vasoactive substances] to control swelling and erythema

Question 4

applications of glucocorticoids

Answer 4

• Decrease inflammation in a broad range of local or systemic
  conditions
  - cancer, transplantation, autoimmune disorders
• immunosuppression
• replacement steroid for adrenal insufficiency

Question 5

a

adverse effects of glucocorticoids

Answer 5

• mood
• effects on skin and CT
• CV effects
• steroid-induced myopathy
• effect of growth and bone

Question 7

possible adverse effects of prolonged corticosteroids

endocrine effects

Answer 7

hyperglycemia

Question 8

possible adverse effects of prolonged corticosteroids

cardiovascular effects

Answer 8

fluid retention/edema

Question 9

possible adverse effects of prolonged corticosteroids

immune (most serious side effects)

Answer 9

• increases risk of opportunistic infections
• activates latent viruses
• masks infections

Question 10

possible adverse effects of prolonged corticosteroids

musculoskeletal effects

Answer 10

• osteoporosis
• bone fractures

Question 11

possible adverse effects of prolonged corticosteroids

GI effects

Answer 11

• peptic ulcer disease
• GI bleeding
• gastritis
• nausea