Steroid diabetes in children with Crohn disease.
Glucocorticoids may be useful as short-term palliative therapy for acute exacerbations of Crohn disease. When glucocorticoids are used for longer than brief periods, even in moderate dosages, they can produce a variety of adverse effects, including steroid diabetes. Two boys were treated with methylprednisolone due to acute exacerbations of Crohn disease. After five and six weeks of continuous oral administration of methylprednisolone, the boys developed steroid diabetes. Diabetic symptoms dominated the clinical presentation but there was no tendency towards diabetic ketoacidosis. Reduction of methylprednisolone dosage rather than insulin therapy resulted in better control of glycemia. Frequent blood glucose monitoring is recommended in children on prolonged therapy with glucocorticoids. Steroid diabetes experienced by the reported cases may be a marker for the onset of diabetes in their adulthood.
Banac
Srdan
S
Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Center, Rijeka, Croatia.
Persić
Mladen
M
Cvijović
Katarina
K
D000293:Adolescent; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000009:adverse effects*
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D008775:Methylprednisolone