Systemic Steroids & Autoimmune Conditions

Question 1

What are some of the things that steroids can be used for?

Answer 1

• Anti-Inflammatory [Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis, Asthmas]
• Immunosuppression Post Transplant
• Adrenal Insufficiency

Question 2

What is the way that systemic steroids work within the body?

Answer 2

• Causes the adrenal gland to stop making cortsol via negative feedback (needs tapering)

also called Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis

Question 4

What is Cushings Syndrome?

Answer 4

• when the adrenal gland makes TOO much cortisol OR if the steroids are TAKEN at a higher dose than normal

Question 5

What are some of the long term effects of steroid use? (Cushings)

Answer 5

• Glaucoma
• Fat deposits(moon face or buffalo hump)
• Acne
• Weight Gain –> Diabetes
• Wound healing impairment

Question 6

What is Addison’s Disease?

Answer 6

• When the adrenal gland is NOT making enough cortisol OR if abrupt stopping of steroids

FATAL

Question 7

What are some ways to reduce systemic steroid use?

Answer 7

• Every other day dosing
• Joints = injection
• GI = low systemic absorption
• Asthma = inhaled
• Long term use = lowest dose that you can