Corticosteroids/ Adrenal Hormones Flashcards
What are the main effects of glucocorticoids?
Promote normal metabolism
Increase resistance to stress
Alter blood cell levels in the plasma
Anti-inflammatory action
What type of corticocortical helps control the body’s water volume concentration? How?
Mineralocorticoids
Has aldosterone effects which increase Na reabsorption in the kidney and secretion of aldosterone is increased by angiotensin 2 and K.
What would you prescribe glucocorticoids to treat? (6)
1) Treatment of primary adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison disease)
2) Treatment of secondary or tertiary adrenocortical insufficiency
3) Treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia
4) Treatment of inflammatory inflammation (all types)
5) Treatment of allergies
6) Acceleration of lung maturation
Where are mineralocorticoids found?
found in secretory organs and the brain
Where are glucocorticoids found?
Widely distributed throughout the body
What are adverse effects of using glucocorticoids?
Increased risk of infection
Increased IOP
Cataracts
Corticosteroid withdrawal
What does it mean if someone is a steroid responder?
Their IOP will increase while on steroids
Do corticosteroids treat the cause of inflammation?
No, they only treat the inflammation itself.
When is inhibition of corticosteroids needed?
Inoperable adrenal tumors
Prior to surgery
Help in diagnosis of certain conditions
Treatment of Cushing disease
A mineralocorticoid that may also be required in the treatment of Addison disease to help with fluid balance
fludrocortisone
Dosed prior to premature birth to regulate lung maturation
Betamethasone
Dexamethasone
Preferred corticosteroid in pregnancy
Minimizes effects on fetus
Prednisone
Inhibits synthesis of cortisol
Metyrapone
Blocks conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone
Aminoglutheamide
At high doses, blocks enzymes responsible for steroid production
Ketoconazole
