title: Complications of steroid use on Mt. Everest.
abstract: Steroids are used for the prevention and treatment of high-altitude illnesses. However, these agents can cause significant side effects. We report a case of altered mental status, gastrointestinal bleeding, skin rash, and avascular necrosis in a climber taking prophylactic dexamethasone prior to an attempt to climb Mt Everest. High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), steroid toxicity, and acute adrenal crisis can have similar clinical presentations. Differentiating between these life-threatening conditions at high altitude is essential for successful treatment.
authors.affiliation: Nepal International Clinic, Laldurbar, Kathmandu, Nepal. docbishnu@gmail.com
authors.forename: Bishnu Hari
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Subedi
authors.forename: Jhapindra
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pokharel
authors.forename: Torrey L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Goodman
authors.forename: Sanuraja
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Amatya
authors.forename: Luanne
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Freer
authors.forename: Nalin
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Banskota
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Buddha
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Basnyat
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000531:Altitude; D000532:Altitude Sickness / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003221:Confusion / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D005076:Exanthema / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009051:Mountaineering; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications; D009390:Nepal; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000150:complications; D013256:Steroids / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D013256:Steroids