Strategies for minimizing corticosteroid toxicity: a review.
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are used commonly for the treatment of various pediatric inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Although potent and generally effective, they are not without risks for producing serious adverse effects, especially when used in high doses for prolonged periods of time. For proper use of systemic glucocortcoids, a basic knowledge of the pharmacology, clinical usage guidelines, and adverse reactions of these agents is imperative. This review article emphasis on the commonly observed side-effects encountered with GC use in children and their underlying basic pathophysiological mechanisms. The appropriate anticipation of these side-effects with timely implementation of the suggested evidencebased guidelines has the potential significantly to prevent, minimize and treat common and disabling complications of glucocortcoid therapy.
Aulakh
Roosy
R
Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatric Centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Singh
Surjit
S
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000187:drug effects; D000309:Adrenal Insufficiency / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy; D004306:Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000187:drug effects; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D005938:Glucocorticoids