Wk 4 Immunological & Inflammatory Disorders

Question 1

Prednisolone

• class
• two main mechanisms

Answer 1

• corticosteroid > synthetic glucocorticoid
• antiinflammatory & immunosuppressant
• sodium-retaining properties
• increases cortisol

glucocorticoid: a steroid hormone produced in the adrenal cortex or made synthetically (It inhibits many inflammation-associated molecules such as cytokines)

Question 2

Indications for prednisolone

Answer 2

• systemic lupus erythematosus
• Dermatitis
• Ulcerative colitis
• Haemolytic anaemia
• emphysema
• gout
• rheumatoid arthritis

Question 3

Possible side effects of prednisolone and why?

Answer 3

• Hyperglycaemia
• Hypertension
• Restlessness, nervousness
• Insomnia
• Impaired wound healing
• Weight gain
• Osteoporosis
• glaucoma
• mood swings

Due to chronically elevated levels of serum cortisol (it is a stress hormone and also responsible for various metabolic functions

Question 4

What is the risk of suddenly discontinuing prednisolone?

Answer 4

• administration of corticosteroids for prolonged periods of time may result in secondary
  adrenocortical insufficiency
• If cessation is required, dose should be
  gradually reduced (tapering dose) as abrupt cessation may = adrenal crisis

adrenal crisis = inability to produce aldosterone and cortisol to respond to an acute illness

Question 5

You are a nurse working in an oncology ward. Ms Brown, a 69 year-old-female has received chemotherapy as part of her treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia. She has been prescribed Filgrastim. What is her condition likely to be?

Answer 5

neutropenia