Glucocorticoids Flashcards
Glucocorticoids are used for..
Autoimmune disorders
Inflammatory conditions
Organ transplant patients
Cancer therapy
Glucocorticoids: autoimmune disorders
Rheumatoid arthritis
Lupus
Ulcerative colitis
Glucocorticoids: inflammatory conditions
Asthma
Glucocorticoids are by far the best….
Anti-inflammatory drugs we have
Glucocorticoids go after
Prostaglandins, interleukins, etc.
Glucocorticoids are also great at
Immune suppression
Adverse effects from glucocorticoids
Increased blood glucose Abnormal fat deposits Adrenal insufficiency Osteoporosis Infection Glucose intolerance Cataracts / glaucoma
Abnormal fat deposits: glucocorticoids
Moon face, buffalo hump
When we give glucose corticoids, what are we doing to the adrenals?
We are replacing / adding to what they normally have so adrenals do not make steroids anymore
Prolonged glucocorticoid therapy should ONLY be used for disorders that..
Are life threatening
Have the potential for long term disability
Termination of long term therapy of glucocorticoids is by…
TAPER
Glucocorticoids are usually given by a…
Burst and taper
