Corticosteroids: another type of steroids

Corticosteroids or glucocorticoids, often just called "steroids", where once thought to be almost miraculous. In 1948, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota a group of arthritis patients were given daily injections of a corticosteroid. The results were so striking and the improvement so dramatic that it was thought that the "cure" for arthritis had been discovered.

However, as the use of corticosteroids expanded over the years, side effects emerged and it was realized that high doses given over prolonged periods of time turned steroids into "scare-oids". Patients were warned of the potential problems, the use of corticosteroids became more conservative, and some patients were so frightened of them they even declined treatment.

Corticosteroids act on the immune system by blocking the production of substances that trigger allergic and inflammatory actions, such as prostaglandins. However, they also impede the function of white blood cells which destroy foreign bodies and help keep the immune system functioning properly. The interference with white blood cell function yields a side effect of increased susceptibility to infection.
Corticosteroids are widely used for many conditions. They are also used to control inflammation of the joints and organs in diseases such as:
•rheumatoid arthritis
•lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus)
•ankylosing spondylitis
•juvenile arthritis

Corticosteroids are versatile in their mode of application. They can be given:
•orally
•injected into the vein or muscle
•applied locally to the skin
•injected directly into inflamed joints

Corticosteroid drugs can also be used as ingredients contained in:
•eye products (to treat various eye conditions)
•inhalers (to treat asthma or bronchial disease)
•nasal drops and sprays (to treat various nasal problems)
•topical creams, ointments, etc. (to treat various skin problems)

Corticosteroids can be used in conjunction with other drugs, and are prescribed for short-term and long-term use.
Prednisone (brand names include: Cortan, Deltasone, Liquid Pred, Meticorten, Orasone, Panasol-S, Prednicen-M and Sterapred) is the most commonly prescribed synthetic corticosteroid for arthritis.

The potent effect of corticosteroids can result in serious side effects which mimic Cushing's disease, a malfunction of the adrenal glands resulting in an overproduction of cortisol. The list of potential side effects is long and includes:
•increased appetite and weight gain
•deposits of fat in chest, face, upper back, and stomach
•water and salt retention leading to swelling and edema
•high blood pressure
•diabetes
•black and blue marks
•slowed healing of wounds
•osteoporosis
•cataracts
•acne
•muscle weakness
•thinning of the skin
•increased susceptibility to infection
•stomach ulcers
•increased sweating
•mood swings
•psychological problems such as depression
•adrenal suppression and crisis

Side effects can be minimized by following doctor's orders and keeping to the lowest dose possible. It is also important to avoid self regulation of the dosage, either by adding more or stopping the medication without a schedule.