Systemic Glucocorticoids (systemic + glucocorticoid)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Prevention and treatment of systemic glucocorticoid side effects

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2010
Siamak Moghadam-Kia MD
Background, Systemic glucocorticoids are used in dermatologic practice for various diseases including connective tissue disorders, bullous diseases, and many other dermatologic conditions. Patients with these diseases are at times treated with long-term courses of glucocorticoids, which place them at increased risk for glucocorticoid-induced side effects. Therefore, dermatologists must be knowledgeable of risks related to glucocorticoid use and be familiar with guidelines to manage them. Objective, To provide an update of recent advances in the prevention and treatment of major glucocorticoid-induced side effects. Methods, Review of the literature Results Data regarding the prevention and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced side effects are presented. Conclusion, This review should help dermatologists optimally manage and prevent glucocorticoid-induced side effects. [source]


Prevention and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in daily dermatologic practice

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 7 2008
Hester Vermaat
Background Systemic glucocorticoids (GCs) are often needed to treat dermatologic patients. The long-term use of GCs, however, is associated with potentially severe side-effects. GC-induced osteoporosis (GIO) is one of the most serious complications, but the risk of the occurrence of GIO seems to be generally underestimated. Aim To provide an update of the recent advances in the prevention of GIO in dermatologic practice. Methods Review of the literature and several European and US guidelines up to August 2007. Results Data regarding the prevention and treatment of GIO are limited and guidelines for the prevention of GIO are not fully consistent. Conclusion The prophylaxis of osteoporosis needs to be started early during treatment with GCs. Calcium and vitamin D supplements in all patients on systemic GCs and bisphosphonates in patients who take GCs for more than 3 months are practical and effective measures. [source]


Rapid improvement of recalcitrant disseminated granuloma annulare upon treatment with the tumour necrosis factor-, inhibitor, infliximab

BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2005
M.S. Hertl
Summary Granuloma annulare (GA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of unknown aetiology, which is characterized clinically by erythematous plaques preferentially localized to the distal extremities, although disseminated variants exist. In light of the chronic relapsing nature of GA and lack of satisfactory treatment options, we initiated treatment with infliximab in a patient with chronic disseminated GA that was recalcitrant to standard treatment. The 59-year-old female patient with insulin-dependent diabetes had experienced GA lesions for more than 4 years despite various systemic and topical treatments. Systemic glucocorticoids were not a therapeutic option because of the preexisting unstable insulin-dependent diabetes. Infliximab was administered intravenously at 5 mg kg,1 day,1 at weeks 0, 2 and 6 and thereafter at a monthly interval for an additional 4 months. Most of the GA plaques resolved within 4,6 weeks, leaving postinflammatory brownish macules. Newly arising plaques disappeared within 2 weeks and new GA lesions were not observed during the entire observation period of more than 16 months. Infliximab may be an additional option in the treatment of recalcitrant forms of GA as well as in other chronic granulomatous skin disorders, such as sarcoidosis and necrobiosis lipoidica. [source]


Does prolonged systemic glucocorticoid use increase risk of tophus formation among gouty arthritis patients?

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES, Issue 3 2009
Anne-Annette P. RASO
Abstract Aim:, To determine the relationship of steroid use with tophus formation and other comorbid conditions among male gout patients. Methods:, Review of medical records of Filipino gout patients under the care of rheumatologists was conducted. Univariate analysis (chi-square, Student's t -test) and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed to establish the risk for tophus formation among glucocorticoid users. Bivariate analysis was separately done to determine the confounding effect of steroid use in the association of comorbidities and tophi formation. Results:, There were 295 Filipino men with a mean age of 56 years and a mean duration of 12 years of gouty arthritis who were included in the study. Multivariate analysis showed a five times higher likelihood (OR 4.81 95% CI 1.92,12.04, P < 0.001) for tophus formation among prolonged steroid users. Confounders identified were disease duration of gout (, 10 years), presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and elevated serum creatinine level (SCr). Bivariate analysis of comorbidities showed that steroid use introduced a considerable bias in the relationship of hypertension, elevated SCr, CKD and dyslipidemia. Conclusion:, Patients with equivalent prednisone intake of at least 15 mg/week for , 3 months is associated with tophi formation. In the presence of hypertension, renal impairment, and elevated serum creatinine level, use of steroids confounds the individual risk that each factor carries. [source]


Dapsone in rosacea fulminans

JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 5 2001
G Bormann
Abstract Rosacea fulminans is a rare disease with female predominance characterized by abrupt onset of pustules, papules, and confluent nodules on the face. The conventional treatment consists of systemic glucocorticoids and isotretinoin. We present the case of a 56-year-old woman with a marked facial papulopustular eruption that had followed an initial period of severe seborrhoea. Conventional treatment produced no clear improvement. Dapsone treatment achieved complete healing in 5 weeks. [source]


Inhaled drugs for the prevention and treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia

PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY, Issue 8 2006
T. Pantalitschka MD
Abstract Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is one of the most common long-term complications and treatment challenges in preterm infants. Theoretically, inhaled corticosteroids may suppress pulmonary inflammation without causing systemic side-effects, while bronchodilators will improve airway resistance and thereby work of breathing. This article reviews current data on these drugs in BPD prevention or treatment. Trials published to date have not demonstrated that regular bronchodilator administration influences the incidence of BPD or improves long-term outcome. Inhaled steroids started before 2 weeks of age may improve rates of successful extubation and reduce the need for rescue systemic glucocorticoids, but have not been shown to reduce the incidence of BPD. Thus, their use cannot be generally recommended. The data currently available are not sufficient to give any clearer recommendation on the use of these drugs in infants at high risk of, or established, BPD. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2006; 41: 703,708. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Alternative glucocorticoids for use in cases of adverse reaction to systemic glucocorticoids: a study on 10 patients

BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2003
M.T. Ventura
Summary Background Reactions to systemically administered corticosteroids are rare, despite their widespread use. Objectives To identify alternative glucocorticoids for emergency use in patients with adverse reactions to systemic glucocorticoids. Methods Ten patients were identified as having adverse reactions after the use of systemic corticosteroids. Skin prick tests and intradermal tests to hydrocortisone (HC) and methylprednisolone (MP), and intradermal tests to betamethasone and dexamethasone, were performed in all patients, and oral challenge tests to betamethasone (n=10) and deflazacort (n=6). Results Skin prick tests were negative in all patients, whereas intradermal tests to HC and MP were positive in eight; two patients showed only an isolated cutaneous sensitivity to MP. Intradermal tests to betamethasone and dexamethasone were negative, and oral challenge tests were negative in all patients. Conclusions Our results suggest the possibility of an IgE-mediated mechanism for allergic reactions to HC and MP, probably due, at least in part, to a steroid-glyoxal. We suggest that betamethasone and deflazacort could be reserved for emergency use in patients with adverse reactions to other corticosteroids. [source]


Cushing's syndrome due to pharmacological interaction in a cystic fibrosis patient

ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 9 2002
KM Main
Treatment of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis with itraconazole is becoming more widespread in chronic lung diseases. A considerable number of patients is concomitantly treated with topical or systemic glucocorticoids for anti-inflammatory effect. As azole compounds inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes such as CYP3A isoforms, they may compromise the metabolic clearance of glucocorticoids, thereby causing serious adverse effects. A patient with cystic fibrosis is reported who developed iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome after long-term treatment with daily doses of 800 mg itraconazole and 1600 ,g budesonide. The patient experienced symptoms of striae, moon-face, increased facial hair growth, mood swings, headaches, weight gain, irregular menstruation despite oral contraceptives and increasing insulin requirement for diabetes mellitus. Endocrine investigations revealed total suppression of spontaneous and stimulated plasma cortisol and adrenocorticotropin. Discontinuation of both drugs led to an improvement in clinical symptoms and recovery of the pituitary-adrenal axis after 3 mo. Conclusion: This observation suggests that the metabolic clearance of budesonide was compromised by itraconazole's inhibition of cytochrome P450 enzymes, especially the CYP3A isoforms, causing an elevation in systemic budesonide concentration. This provoked a complete suppression of the endogenous adrenal function, as well as iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome. Patients on combination therapy of itraconazole and budesonide inhalation should be monitored regularly for adrenal insufficiency. This may be the first indicator of increased systemic exogenous steroid concentration, before clinical signs of Cushing's syndrome emerge. [source]