What is a key consideration for systemic corticosteroids?

What is a key consideration for systemic corticosteroids?

• A. Always safe with no side effects.
• B. Do not affect metabolism.
• C. Only used topically.
• D. Can increase risk of osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes, adrenal suppression, and more.

Answer: (D)

Systemic corticosteroids affect many body systems because they act like cortisol circulating throughout the body. A key consideration is their potential for widespread adverse effects, especially with higher doses or longer use: osteoporosis and bone loss, hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes, and suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which can blunt the body's own cortisol production. This adrenal suppression means stopping suddenly can be dangerous, so tapering is often necessary and patients are monitored. They can also cause weight gain, mood changes, increased infection risk, cataracts, stomach ulcers, and growth suppression in children. Because of this broad risk profile, clinicians use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration and take steps to protect bone health and monitor metabolic and cardiovascular well-being. The other statements don’t fit because they imply safety, no metabolic effect, or only topical use, which isn’t accurate for systemic corticosteroids.

Systemic corticosteroids affect many body systems because they act like cortisol circulating throughout the body. A key consideration is their potential for widespread adverse effects, especially with higher doses or longer use: osteoporosis and bone loss, hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes, and suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which can blunt the body's own cortisol production. This adrenal suppression means stopping suddenly can be dangerous, so tapering is often necessary and patients are monitored. They can also cause weight gain, mood changes, increased infection risk, cataracts, stomach ulcers, and growth suppression in children. Because of this broad risk profile, clinicians use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration and take steps to protect bone health and monitor metabolic and cardiovascular well-being. The other statements don’t fit because they imply safety, no metabolic effect, or only topical use, which isn’t accurate for systemic corticosteroids.