title: Long-term side effects of glucocorticoids.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Glucocorticoids represent the standard therapy for reducing inflammation and immune activation in various diseases. However, as with any potent medication, they are not without side effects. Glucocorticoid-associated side effects may involve most major organ systems. Musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, endocrine, neuropsychiatric, dermatologic, ocular, and immunologic side effects are all possible.
  
  
  METHODS
  This article analyzes English-language literature and provides an update on the most recent literature regarding side effects of systemic glucocorticoid treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The risk/benefit ratio of glucocorticoid therapy can be improved by proper use. Careful monitoring and using appropriate preventive strategies can potentially minimize side effects.
authors.affiliation: a Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution (MERSI) , Waltham , MA , USA.|b Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation , Waltham , MA , USA.|c Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology , Istanbul University , Istanbul , Turkey.
authors.forename: Merih
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Oray
authors.affiliation: a Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution (MERSI) , Waltham , MA , USA.|b Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation , Waltham , MA , USA.
authors.forename: Khawla
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Abu Samra
authors.affiliation: a Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution (MERSI) , Waltham , MA , USA.|b Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation , Waltham , MA , USA.
authors.forename: Nazanin
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ebrahimiadib
authors.affiliation: a Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution (MERSI) , Waltham , MA , USA.|b Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation , Waltham , MA , USA.
authors.forename: Halea
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Meese
authors.affiliation: a Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution (MERSI) , Waltham , MA , USA.|b Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation , Waltham , MA , USA.|d Department of Ophthalmology , Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA.
authors.forename: C Stephen
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Foster
mesh_terms: D016903:Drug Monitoring; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D012306:Risk
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids
keywords: corticosteroids; glucocorticoids; immunosuppression; side effects