Comparative study of the effect of a daily steroid regimen versus a weekly oral pulse steroid regimen on morphological changes, blood sugar, bone mineral density and suprarenal gland activity.
BACKGROUND
The most serious side effects of systemic steroids include osteoporosis and suprarenal suppression. Many steroid regimens have been suggested to minimize these side effects; one of them is oral steroid pulse therapy.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the side effects of a daily oral steroid regimen versus a weekly oral steroid pulse regimen on bone mineral density and suprarenal suppression.


METHODS
Thirty patients with different skin diseases were divided into two groups: 15 for oral daily steroids (ODS) (group 1) and 15 for weekly oral pulse steroids (WOPS) (group 2). They were evaluated for bone mineral density (measured by DEXA) and suprarenal suppression (measured by serum cortisol level), morphological changes and blood sugar. Treatment was continued for 6 months to 3 years.


RESULTS
Cushingoid features in group 1 were observed in 73%, yet they were not detectable in group 2. Disturbed blood sugar in group 1 was 33% and 0% in group 2. The serum cortisol level was lower in patients on ODS than those on WOPS. The effect of WOPS on bone mineral density was very limited in comparison with the ODS.


CONCLUSIONS
Weekly oral steroid pulse therapy induces no significant bone loss and no suprarenal suppression and can be an alternative option in the treatment of chronic disorders requiring long-term oral steroid therapy.
El-Darouti
Mohammad A
MA
Departments of Dermatology, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
Mashaly
Heba M
HM
El-Nabarawy
Eman
E
El-Tawdy
Amira M
AM
Fawzy
Marwa M
MM
Salem
Dorreya S E
DS
El-Kaffas
Khaled M H
KM
El Sayed
Dalia A M
DA
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000187:drug effects*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects*; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects*; D003480:Cushing Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000139:chemically induced; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000139:chemically induced; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011241:Prednisone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D055815:Young Adult
D001786:Blood Glucose; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D011241:Prednisone; D006854:Hydrocortisone