Endocrine Conditions: Systemic Steroids & Autoimmune Conditions Flashcards
Cortisol replaced by giving…..
any steroids
Aldosterone replaced by giving…..
fludrocortisone
Fludrocortisone info
mimis aldosterone
helps keep balance of water and electrolytes
FDA approved for Addison’s disease and off-label for orthostatic hypotension
Suppression of Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA)
systemic steroids can cause adrenal gland to stop producing cortisol due to feedback inhibition
need to be tapered off when stoping long term steroids
Cushings syndrome
can develop when adrenal gland produces too much cortisol or too many steroids taken at higher doses
Addison’s disease
opposite of Cushings
adrenal gland not making enough cortisol
if stop taking steroids used to help inc cortisol, can have addisonian crisis = volume depletion and hypotension = can be fatal
Cushings Syndrome signs
fat depsits in face = moon face or buffalo hump
poor done health
diabetes
Acne
Pink-purple stretch marks and skin that bruises easily
Thin arms/legs relative to body
impaired wound healing
Women: hair growth on face + irregular or missed periods
Cortisone: Hydrocortisone PO:IV
25mg Cortisone = 20mg Hydrocortisone
Prednisone/Prednisolone : Methylprednisolone/Triamcinolone PO:IV conversion
5mg of either = 4mg of either
Dexamethasone: Betamethasone PO:IV conversion
0.75mg Dexamethasone = 0.6mg Betamethasone
Glucocorticoid contraindications
Live vaccines, serious systemic infections
Glucocorticoid warnings
Adrenal suppression, if taking more than 14 days, taper off steroids slowly
Glucocorticoid side effects
Short term (use < 1 month)
inc appetite, weight gain, emotional instability, insomnia
Long term: Cushing’s syndrome
Immunosuppresion from steroids is when….
using > 2mg/kg/day or 20mg/day of prednisone or prednisone equivalent for > 2 weeks
How to taper steroid dose
reduce dose by 10-20% every few days
Strong immunosuppressants can increase risk of…..
reactivation of TB and Hep B/C, have to test prior to start of immunosuppressive drugs
Viruses, live vaccine have to be given before starting therapy
Lymphomas and certain cancers
infections
RA vs OA
OA = Osteoarthritis, usually presents one side of body
RA = Rheumatoid arthritis, usually both sides, symmetrical
RA symptoms
Joint swelling
pain
stiffness
bone deformity
Symptomatic RA should be treated with….
methotrexate = first choice (Disease modifying antirheumatic drug)
if moderate/high disease activity after methotrexate, can add TNFi or non TNF biologic
** never use two biologic DMARDs in combo **
RA flares
Steroids often used, should be used for lowest dose and shortest time possible
Traditional DMARDs
Methotrexate
Hydroxychloroquine
Methotrexate boxed warnings
Hepatotoxicity
myelosuppresion
mucositis/stomatitis
teratogenic in pregnancy
Methotrexate CI
pregnancy
breastfeeding
alcohol use disorder
chronic liver disease
Methotrexate side effects
N/V/D
inc LFTs
alopecia
Methotrexate monitoring
CBC
LFTs
Chest Xrays
Hep B/C tests
Giving folate with methotrexate
5mg weekly on day following max admin
can dec hematological, GI and hepatic side effects
Hydroxychloroquine warnings
irreversible retinopathy
Hydroxychloroquine side effects
N/V/D
vision changes
Hydroxychloroquine monitoring
CBC
LFTs
Eye exam at baseline and Q3 months **
Hydroxychloroquine risk of liver toxicity compared to MTX is….
lower, can be used as alternative if concern for liver disease
Sulfasalazine info
yellow-orange coloration of skin/urine
give with folate supplement
CI sulfa allergy
Leflunomide boxed warnings
dont use in pregnancy
hepatotoxicity, dont use in existing liver disease