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pre reg afsha > corticosteroids > Flashcards

corticosteroids Flashcards

1
Q

use of CCs in psoriasis

A

should be avoided or only used under specialist supervision

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2
Q

which drug can be used to treat postural hypotension in autonomic neuropathy and why

A

mineralocorticoid activity of fludrocortisone

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3
Q

name 2 CCs that are appropriate for conditions where water retention would be a disadvantage

A

betamethasone
dexamethasone

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4
Q

5 side effects of mineralocorticoids

A
  • hypertension
  • sodium retention
  • water retention
  • potassium loss
  • calcium loss
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5
Q

mineralocorticoid side effects are most marked with this drug

A

fludrocortisone

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6
Q

mineralocorticoid side effects are most marked with fludrocortisone, but are significant with the following 3 drugs

A

HC, corticotropin, tetracosactide

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7
Q

there are negligible mineralocorticoid actions with the high potency GCs betamethasone and dexamethasone, but they do occur slightly with the following three drugs

A

methylprednisolone, prednisolone, and triamcinolone.

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8
Q

5 SE of glucocorticoids

A
  • diabetes
  • osteoporosis (danger esp in elderly as can result in osteoporotic fractures e.g. hip or vertebrae)
  • high doses associated with avascular necrosis of femoral head
  • muscle wasting
  • CC therapy weakly linked with peptic ulcers and perforation
  • psychiatric reactions
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9
Q

main way to manage side effects of CCs

A
  • use lowest effective dose for minimum period possible
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10
Q

suppressive action of a CC on cortisol secretion is least when it is….

A

given as a single dose in the morning

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11
Q

side effects of CCs - MHRA advice on rare risk of central serous chorioretinopathy with local and systemic administration

A
  • retinal disorder linked to systemic use of CCs, and local aswell
  • pt to report any blurred vision and other visual disturbances with CC treatment
  • consider referral to ophthalmologist for elevation of possible causes if a pt presents with vision problems
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12
Q

glucocorticoid suppression action on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is greatest and most prolonged when they are given…

A

at night

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13
Q

in most individuals a single dose of …… at night is sufficient to inhibit corticotropin secretion for 24h

A

dexamethasone

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14
Q

overnight dexamethasone suppression test for diagnosing Cushing’s syndrome

A
  • finds out if there is excess amount of cortisol in body
  • after measuring baseline cortisol, dexamethasone is given with the intention of suppressing cortisol
  • if it does not suppress after taking dexamethasone at night, it means there is too much cortisol production aka Cushing’s syndrome
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15
Q

why is dexamethasone given to pt to diagnose cushings syndrome

A

In most individuals a single dose of dexamethasone at night, is sufficient to inhibit corticotropin secretion for 24 hours
therefore if cortisol has not reduced, it means they have the syndrome

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16
Q

should a CC be used for management of head injury or stroke

A

no - unlikely to be of benefit and may even be harmful

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17
Q

how does adrenal insufficiency occur

A

as a result of inadequate production of steroid hormones in adrenal cortex

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18
Q

what are the two main groups of steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex and what primary regulates their production?

A
  • GCs (e.g. cortisol) - production largely regulation by HPA
  • MCs (e.g. aldosterone) - production largely regulated by renin-angiotensin system
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19
Q

symptoms of adrenal insufficiency can be mild, non-specific, and may include

A

fatigue, gastrointestinal upset, anorexia, weight loss, musculoskeletal symptoms, salt cravings, and dizziness or syncope due to hypotension.

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20
Q

classifications of adrenal insufficiency

A
  • primary
  • secondary
  • tertiary
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21
Q

primary adrenal insufficiency results from disorders that affect the …….. e.g. ……..

A

adrenal cortex e.g. Addison’ disease, congenital adrenal hyperplasia

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22
Q

secondary adrenal insufficiency results from disorders of the …. e.g. ……

A

anterior pituitary gland e.g. pituitary tumour or subarachnoid haemorrhage

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23
Q

tertiary adrenal insufficiency results from disorders of the ….. e.g. …..

A

hypothalamus e.g. HPA axis suppression

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24
Q

Some drugs can also cause adrenal insufficiency. for example the systemic use of ….. is most common cause due to suppression of the HPA axis

A

GC

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25
Q

what is the most common cause of adrenal insufficiency and how?

A

systemic use of GC due to suppression of HPA axis

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26
Q

if GC are stopped or decreased too quickly after prolonged, …..

A

endogenous glucocorticoid production may not be sufficient to meet the body’s needs. this could result in adrenal crisis (acute adrenal insufficiency)

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27
Q

life threatening symptoms of adrenal crisis

A
  • severe dehydration
  • hypotension
  • hypovalaemic shock
  • altered consciousness
  • seizures
  • stroke
  • cardiac arrest
  • if untreated can lead to death or permanent disability
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28
Q

adrenal crisis can occur in pt particular during times of increased need e.g. …… as pt are unable to mount a stress response buy increasing endogenous GC production

A

surgery
infection
trauma

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29
Q

treatment of adrenal insufficiency

A

physiological glucocorticoid replacement with mainly hydrocortisone (most similar to cortisol), prednisolone, or rarely dexamethasone.

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30
Q

pt with primary adrenal insufficiency usually also require mineralocorticoid replacement with …. due to aldosterone deficiency

A

fludrocortisone

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31
Q

Some patients, usually those with secondary or tertiary adrenal insufficiency, including treatment with exogenous steroids or other drugs (such as some antifungals and antiretroviral medication), may have a suboptimal cortisol response but…..

A

do not require maintenance GC treatment

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32
Q

advice pt with adrenal insufficiency/ at risk of it on stress GC doses

A
  • advice all pt with adrenal insufficiency & pt at risk of adrenal insufficiency on the impotent of stress GC doses (increases doses0 to prevent adrenal crisis during times of stress
    e.g. surgical or invasive procedures
    this maintains cortisol levels as close to physiological conc as possible
    pt with adrenal insufficiency who not usually require maintenance GC should still be avoid of the likely need for GC replacement during times of stress
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33
Q

sick day rules for pt with adrenal insufficiency and intercurrent illness

A
  • unwell with moderate intercurrent illness (e.g. fever and infection requiring abx), generally double the daily GC dose
  • if on long acting HC prep, switch to short acting, more rapidly absorbed preps during intercurrent illness
  • for severe intercurrent illness (e.g. persistent vomiting from GI viral illness), give IM or IV HC
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34
Q

pt with adrenal insufficiency and have vomiting or diarrhoea

A
  • higher risk of GC deficiency
  • for pt with established adrenal insufficiency, provide HC emergency injection kit and train in administration of IM HC and advise to go to hospitality vomiting or diarrhoea
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35
Q

management of adrenal crisis

A
  • medical emergency
  • treat immediately, esp pregnant women
  • initiate investigations once pt clinically stable
  • no adverse consequences of initiating a life saving bolus dose of HC treatment
  • treatment involves prompt GC replacement with HC and rehydration using crystalloid fluid (e.g. sodium chloride 0.9%)
  • for pt on fludrocortisone, high dose HC has sufficient mineralocorticoids effect to cover this
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36
Q

prompt treatment of adrenal crisis involves

A

prompt glucocorticoid replacement with hydrocortisone, and rehydration using a crystalloid fluid (e.g. sodium chloride 0.9%). For patients usually on fludrocortisone, high-dose hydrocortisone has sufficient mineralocorticoid effect to cover this.

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37
Q

Particular care is required in patients with diabetes insipidus and adrenal insufficiency related to hypothalamic-pituitary disease who are treated with desmopressin because..

A

they are at risk of uncontrolled diabetes insipidus if doses of desmopressin are omitted, or hyponatraemia if excess fluid is given.

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38
Q

high GC activity in itself is of no advantage unless it is accompanies by…

A

relatively low MC activity

39
Q

the mineralocorticoid activity of this drug is so high that its anti inflammatory activity is of no clinical relevance

A

fludrocortisone

40
Q

why is HC unsuitable for disease suppression on a long term basis

A
  • high MC activity and resulting fluid retention
41
Q

why is HC useful topical CC for management of inflammatory skin conditions

A

moderate anti inflammatory potency
side effects, topical and systemic, are less marked

42
Q

what is the CC most commonly used PO for long term disease suppression

A

prednisolone

43
Q

prednisolone has predominantly …. activity

A

GC

44
Q

these two drugs have very high GC activity and insignificant MC activity

A

betamethasone and dexamethasone

45
Q

what two drugs are suitable for high-dose therapy in conditions where fluid retention would be a disadvantage because they have very high glucocorticoid activity in conjunction with insignificant mineralocorticoid activity

A

betamethasone and dexamethasone

46
Q

which two drugs are suitable for conditions which require suppression of corticotropin (corticotrophin) secretion (e.g. congenital adrenal hyperplasia) and why

A

Betamethasone and dexamethasone because they have a long duration of action and lack of mineralcortcoid activity

47
Q

deflazacort is derives from …. and has high…. activity

A

high glucocorticoid activity; it is derived from prednisolone.

48
Q

who should be issued a steroid emergency card

A

pt with adrenal insufficiency and steroid dependence who are at risk of adrenal crisis

49
Q

why should systemic CCs be used with caution n pt who have recently had an MI

A

rupture reported

50
Q

common SE of systemic CCs

A
  • anixety, mood disorders, sleep disorders, psychotic disorders
  • abnormal behaviour
  • catarct
  • cognitive impairment
  • Cushing’s syndrome
  • electrolyte imbalance
  • fluid retention
  • GI discomfort
  • healing discomfort
  • hirsuitism
  • increased risk of infection
  • menstrual cycle irregulariites
  • osteoporosis
  • peptic ulcer
  • weight gain
  • grown retardation common in children
51
Q

adrenal suppression with corticosteroids
- how does this happen
- effect of abrupt withdrawal
- when will doses need increasing

A
  • prolonged therapy, esp systemic - adrenal atrophy develops and can persist for years after stopping
  • abrupt withdrawal after prolonged period can lead to adrenal crisis, hypotension or death
  • to compensate for diminished adrenocortical response caused by prolonged CC treatment, any significant intercurrent illness, trauma or surgery requires temporary increase in CC dose, or if already stopped, a temporary reintroduction of CC treatment
52
Q

increased risk of infection with CCs

A
  • prolonged courses increase susceptibility to infections and severity of infections
  • clinical presentation of infection may be atypical
  • serious infections e.g. TB and septicaemia may reach advanced stage before being recognised
  • some infections may be exaggerated e.g. amoebiasis, fungal, viral ocular
53
Q

risk of severe chickenpox - some pt taking CCs

A
  • unless they have had chickenpox, pt receiving oral or parenteral CCs for purposes other than replacement should be regarded as being at risk of severe chickenpox
  • manifestations of fulminant illness include pneumonia, hepatitis and disseminated intravascular coagulation
    – rash isn’t necessarily a prominent feature
  • passive immunisation with VZ immunoglobulin is needed for exposed no n immune pt receiving systemic CCs or for those who have used them within past 3 months
  • confirmed chickenpox = specialist care an urgent treatment
  • do not stop CCs, dosage may need to be increased
54
Q

measles and corticosteroids

A
  • pt taking CCs should be advised to take particular care to avoid exposure to measles
  • seek immediate medical advice if exposure occurs
  • prophylaxis with IM normal immunoglobulin may be needed
55
Q

CCs and psychiatric reactions

A
  • systemic esp high doses are linked to psychiatric reactions
  • includes euphoria, insomnia, irritability, mood lability, suicidal thoughts, psychotic reactions, behavioural disturbances
  • freq subside on reduced dose or discontinuation
  • may require specific management
  • seek medical advice
  • possibility of such reactions during withdrawal of CC
  • prescribe with care in pt predisposed to psychiatric reactions, P or FHx, or previously suffered from CC induced psychosis
56
Q

monitoring requirements or all systemic CC

A
  • before starting and then at regular intervals during course of long term treatment
  • BP
  • body weight
  • BMI
  • height in children and teens
  • HbA1c
  • triglycerides
  • potassium
  • eye exam for glaucoma and cataract
  • the following depending on clinical judgement - osteoporosis risk, falls risk, adrenal suppression
57
Q

what affects can systemic CCs have on lab tests

A

May suppress skin test reactions.

58
Q

max amount of times a day that topical CCs should be applied

A

max BD, OD often sufficient

59
Q

Gradual withdrawal of systemic corticosteroids should be considered in those whose disease is unlikely to relapse and have:

A
  • > 40mg prednisolone (or equivalent) daily for more than 1 week
  • repeat doses in evening
  • > 3 weeks treatment
  • recently received repeat courses, esp if taken for longer than 3 weeks
  • taken a short course within 1 year of stopping long term therapy
  • other possible causes of adrenal suppression
60
Q

pt must gradually withdraw systemic CCs if they have received

A

more than 40mg prednisolone (or equivalent) daily for more than 1 week

61
Q

Systemic corticosteroids may be stopped abruptly in those whose…

A

disease is unlikely to relapse and who have received treatment for 3 weeks or less and who are not included in the patient groups described above. (i.e. not more than 40mg prednisone daily for >1 week, no repeat doses in evening, not recently received repeated courses, esp if taken for longer than 3 weeks, etc)

62
Q

During corticosteroid withdrawal the dose may be reduced rapidly down to physiological doses ….

A

(equivalent to prednisolone 7.5 mg daily) and then reduced more slowly.

63
Q

one fingertip unit is the distance from….

A

tip of the adult index finger to the first crease)

64
Q

one fingertip unit is sufficient to cover an area…

A

that is twice that of the flat adult handprint (palm and fingers)

65
Q

how long to leave between application of topical corticosteroids and emollients.

A

several mins

66
Q

which drug has equal MC and GC activity

A

HC

67
Q

choice of steroid formulation - cream or ointment?

A
  • Water-miscible corticosteroid creams are suitable for moist or weeping lesions
  • ointments are generally chosen for dry, lichenified or scaly lesions or where a more occlusive effect is required
68
Q

potency of topical HC 0.1-2.5%

A

mild

69
Q

potency of topical betamethasone, clobetasone (eumovate)

A

moderate

70
Q

potency of topical betamethasone dipiroprionate 0.025%, betamethasone valerate 0.1%, betnovate, diprosone, elocon, mometasone 0.1%, HC butyrate

A

potent

71
Q

explain how mineralocorticoids cause high BP as a side effect

A

sodium and water retention raises BP

72
Q

Gc or Mc - which one is the anti inflammatory effect

A

glucocorticoid activity gives anti inflammatory effect

73
Q

in which conditions is fluid retention beneficial, thus treatment with fludrocortisone is given

A

postural hypotension or shock which are characterised by a low blood pressure

74
Q

why is HC unsuitable long term as an anti inflammatory

A

Significant mineralocorticoid activity
Moderate glucocorticoid anti-inflammatory activity
As an anti-inflammatory, hydrocortisone is unsuitable long term because it will cause fluid retention

75
Q

Why can CCs cause insomnia and how would this effect be avoided

A

CCs can cause insomnia as they mimic cortisol which is the body’s natural wake hormone
Counsel patients to take doses in the morning and not at night

76
Q

When do you need to carry a blue steroid card?

A

Systemic CC >3 weeks
Or high dose CC inhaler

77
Q

MHRA HYDROCOIRTISONE - HC buccal tablets have been used off label to teat adrenal insufficiency in children

A

DO NOT DO THIS
Should only be used for mouth ulcers because absorption is different to oral formulations
This means there may not sufficient dose

78
Q

MHRA HYDROCOIRTISONE - switching from tabs to granules

A

Switching from HC tabs to granules (Alkindi) = risk of acute adrenal insufficiency in children
Counsel: observe for symptoms adrenal insufficiency in first week and take action e.g. increase dose or seek immediate medical advice

79
Q

Prednisolone interactions

A
  • drugs that increase risk of GI bleeds e.g. blood thinners, antidepressants, aspirin
  • drugs that cause, NSAID hypokalaemia increase risk of TDP e.g. antipsychotics, amiodarone, SABAs, theophylline, diuretics, digoxin toxicity, macrocodes, sSRIs
  • inhibitors (sick faces.com) increase risk of toxicity
80
Q

MHRA advice about methylprednisolone injections and lactose intolerant

A

Solu-Medrone 40mg: methylprednisolone injections contain lactose: serious hypersensitivity in pt with cow’s milk allergy
e.g. bronchospasms, anaphylaxis
If symptoms worsen or new allergic symptoms occur, stop and treat
Newer forms in lactose-free, ensure NOT TO CONFUSE! Take care when dispensing

81
Q

how does cushings syndrome occur

A

results from chronic exposure to excess cortisone
it is usually iatrogenic (caused by medical examination or treatment - i.e. GC treatment)

82
Q

what does iatrogenic mean

A

illness caused by medical examination or treatment
for example Cushing’s syndrome is usually iatrogenic from GC treatment

83
Q

most common cause of Cushing’s syndrome

A

exogenous CC use
usually from long term, high dose use of cortisol like GCs which are used to treat conditions like asthma, lupus, RA

84
Q

endogenous causes of Cushing’s syndrome include (3)

A

Adrenocorticoptrphinc homrone (ACTH)-secreting pitruatry tumorus (Cushing’s disease)
Cortisol-secreting adrenal tumours
Rare: ectopic ACTH-secreting tumours

85
Q

most types of endogenous Cushing’s syndrome are treated…

A

surgically or with cortisol-inhibiting drugs

86
Q

3 drugs licensed for Cushing’s syndrome

A

ketoconazole (endogenous CS)
metyrapone (management of CS specialist supervision in hospital)
osilodrostat (endogenous CS)

87
Q

symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome varies but people who have had high levels for a long period of time are likely to have clear signs e.g.

A
  • weight gain
  • moon face
  • thin arms and legs
  • fatty hump between shoulders
  • increased fat around base of neck
  • easy bruising
  • weak muscles
  • wide purple stretch marks
88
Q

Chilren with cushing’s syndrome tend to have (2)

A

Delayed growth
Obesity

89
Q

Women with Cushing ‘s syndrome may have (2)

A

Excess facial hair, and on neck, chest, abdomen, thights
Irregular/cessation of periods

90
Q

men with Cushing ‘s syndrome may have (3)

A

Decreased feritltiy
Lowered interest in sex
ED

91
Q

complications of Cushing’s syndrome

A

Heart attack and stroke
DVT - lungs and legs
Infections
Bone loss and fractures
Hypercholesterolemia
Hypertension
Depression and other mood disorders
Memory loss
Trouble concentrating
Insulin resistance and prediabetes
T2D

92
Q

tests for diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome (4)

A
  • 24 hour urinary free cortisol test - if cortisol higher than normal, indicated Cushing’s syndrome
  • late night cortisol test - cortisol production normally drops just after falling asleep, but not in Cushing’s syndrome
  • low dose dexamethasone suppression test - low dose taken, then a blood test is taken to see if cortisol levels have dropped
  • dexamethasone-CRH test - usually a followup test to confirm whether excess cortisol is caused by Cushing’s or not
93
Q

which anti fungal drug is used in the treatment of endogenous Cushing’s disease

A

ketoconazole

94
Q

important patient and carer advice for oral ketoconazole

A

Recognise signs of liver disorder
Discontinue treatment seek prompt meiedcal attention if sypmomes such as anorexia, n/v, fatigue, jaundice, adominal pain, dark urine
Recognise signs of adrenal insufficency
Dizziness and sonolence may affect performance of silled atsks (e..g driving)

pre reg afsha (51 decks)

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