Steroids Flashcards
Glucocorticoids
Cortisone
Hydrocortisone
Dexamethasone
Prednisone
Prednisolone
Methylprednisolone
Steroids are used for a wide variety
Inflammatory
Allergic
Autoimmune disorder
Mechanism of Action of steroids
Inhibit Phospholipase A2 that shuts down the arachidonic acid
Once suppression of phospholipase A2 action what occurs?
Decrease synthesis of prostaglandins (mediators of pain and inflammation) and leukotrienes
What are leukotrienes
Mediators of fever, leukocyte activation, asthma and bronchoconstruction
What become activated during the inflammatory process?
Undifferentiated helped T cells –> activated T cells
stimulate antibody production of B cells
Glucocorticoid steroids suppress T cell activation resulting in?
Suppressing cytokine production, preventing mast cells and eosinophils from releasing various chemical mediators of inflammation (histamine, prostaglandins, leukotrienes) that cause tissue damage, vasodilation, and edema
Clinical use of glucocorticoids
Suppress the inflammatory response and inhibit the immune system
Counteract inflammation caused by allergic and autoimmune reactions other disease states
Disease treated with corticosteroids
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Autoimmune thrombocytopenia purpura
Adrenal insufficiency
Multiple sclerosis
Adverse effects of glucocorticoids
Adrenal suppression d/t negative feedback mechanisms
Iatrogenic Cushings syndrome
Hypokalemic alkalosis
Glycosuria d/t effect on glucose metabolism
Increase susceptibility to infection
Myopathy (skeletal muscle weakness)
Osteoporosis
Drug-Induced Cushing Syndrome
Altered fat deposition buffalo hump
Muscle weakness/atrophy
Striae
Bruising
Acne
Hyperglycemia
Osteoporosis*
Electrolyte imbalance
Moon Faces*
Decrease wound healing
Suppression of the immune system
CNS effects (Depression, psychosis)
