Module 8

Question 1

Glucocorticoids role

Answer 1

-suppress inflammatory immune response
-Must balance benefits with risks

Question 2

Glucocorticoids fast facts

Answer 2

-drugs almost identical to steroid produced by the body
-produce physiologic (low doses) and pharmacologic effects (High doses)
-High/Pharmacologic doses: treatment of inflammatory disorders (asthma, RA, some cancers)
-suppression of immune response in transplant
-Problems at high doses increase with more time

Question 3

Effects of glucocorticoids in metabolism

Answer 3

-influence metabolism of carbs, fats, and proteins
-elevate blood glucose
-storage of glucose as glycogen
-negative effects on protein metabolism
-stimulate lipolysis

Question 4

Effects of glucocorticoids in cardiovascular (when levels are low)

Answer 4

-increased capillary permeability
-suppression of vasoconstriction
-hypotension

Question 5

Effects of glucocorticoids on CNS (elevated levels)

Answer 5

-Excitability (even mania)

Question 6

Effects of glucocorticoids r/t stress response

Answer 6

stimulated by surgery, infection, or trauma
-adrenal secretion of glucocorticoids +epi
-BP maintenance
-hyperglycemia
-renal retention of sodium and water, K loss

Question 7

Pharmacologic effects of glucocorticoids

Answer 7

-at high doses are potent anti-inflammatory and immunospressive acctions
-glucose levels rise
-protein synthesis suppressed
-fat deposits mobilized
-inhibit prostaglandin production
-suppress proliferation of lymphocytes (decreased immune component of inflammation)
-intestinal absorption of Ca inhibited
-inhibit synthesis of some mediators (decrease swelling, warmth, redness, pain)

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Question 8

Indications for glucocorticoids

Answer 8

-Adjunct treatment of RA-reduce inflammatory associated pain but does NOT alter the course of the disease
-SLE, IBS, allergic conditions, asthma, skin conditions