Exogenous steroids Flashcards
main use of exogenous steroids
suppress inflammation/immune system
who are sick day steroid rules for
why
people that are unwell
your body normally produces more steroids when youre unwell so you need to replicate that if your take steroid hormone replacement
what are sick days rules
double steroid dosage if unwell
what is a side effect of steroids relating to bones
osteoporosis
how do steroids contribute to osteoporosis acceleration
reduce osteoblast activity (osteoblasts = bone is ‘born’) = reduce Ca absorption = weaker bones
what is a side effect of steroids relating to the skin (2)
thin skin
poor wound healing
how does steroids cause skin thinning and poor wound healing
cortisol binds to mineralocorticoid receptors = cause skin thinning
what can you give to patients if they present with skin thinning and are on steroids
why
spironolactone
it binds to the mineralocorticoid receptor instead of the steroid binding (works as and antagonist)
generic steroid side effects (3)
weight gain
muscle wasting
immunosuppression
a steroid user presents with hip pain, what do they have
avascular necrosis of femoral head
eye side effects of steroids (2)
cataracts
glaucoma
adrenal gland side effect of steroids
adrenal cortex atrophy
how does long term steroids cause atrophy of the adrenal cortex
adrenal cortex no longer needs to produce cortisol = suppresses ACTH and CRH
why is it important to gradually reduce steroid dosage
they have no reserve supply of endogenous steroids (cortisol) bc of adrenal cortex atrophy
