title: Steroids: pharmacology, complications, and practice delivery issues.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Since their identification nearly 80 years ago, steroids have played a prominent role in the treatment of many disease states. Many of the clinical roles of steroids are related to their potent antiinflammatory and immune-modulating properties.
  
  
  METHODS
  This review summarizes the basic pharmacology, complications, and practice delivery issues regarding steroids.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Clinically relevant side effects of steroids are common and problematic. Side effects can occur at a wide range of doses and vary depending on the route of administration. The full spectrum of side effects can be present even in patients taking low doses.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Practitioners must be aware that these drugs might exacerbate a preexisting condition or present a new medical condition. Knowledge of the clinical implications of prescribing these agents is critical.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA.
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Ericson-Neilsen
authors.affiliation: Departments of Anesthesiology and Pharmacology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA.
authors.forename: Alan David
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Kaye
keywords: Adrenal cortex hormones; diabetes mellitus; drug-related side effects and adverse reactions; glucocorticoids; medication therapy management; mineralocorticoids