METABOLIC, EYE AND BONE RELATED ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS OF LONG TERM GLUCOCORTICOID THERAPY (A study of 80 cases)

DR. AKRITI GARG; DR. NEELA V. BHUPTANI; DR. S. K. GADHVICHARAN; DR. VIMAL V. VYAS; DR. ANJANA V. TRIVEDI

Volume : V, Issue : XII, December - 2016

METABOLIC, EYE AND BONE RELATED ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS OF LONG TERM GLUCOCORTICOID THERAPY (A study of 80 cases)

Dr. Akriti Garg, Dr. Neela V. Bhuptani, Dr. S. K. Gadhvicharan, Dr. Vimal V. Vyas, Dr. Anjana V. Trivedi

Abstract :

Background: In dermatology, Corticosteroids (CSs) are widely prescribed in either topical or systemic formulations in various potencies to tailor therapy according to severity of the underlying condition, area of involvement. Corticosteroids, however, are associated with a number of serious adverse events, particularly with long–term use. Aims: To study adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of long term glucocorticoids (GC) in relation to the musculoskeletal system, Metabolic and Blood sugar levels and Eye. Methods: ?is was a hospital based prospective study done on 80 patients on daily glucocorticoid therapy for more than 6 months duration from September 2015 to September 2016 over a period of 1 year. Results: Among 80 patients included in our study, 50(62.5%) patients developed adverse effects while 30(37.5%) had none. Metabolic side effects were observed as Diabetes Mellitus (SDM) in 25(31.25%), Hypertension in 18(22.5%), Cushingoid features in 17(21.25%) and Lipid abnormalities (in the form of raised cholesterol and triglyceride levels) in 4(5%). Eye changes and bone changes were seen in the form of Cataract (2.5%) and osteoporosis (2.5%) respectively. Conclusion: In dermatology, while using daily glucocorticoid therapy, continuous monitoring should be done and prevention measures should be considered for preventing various side effects resulting from daily oral glucorticoids use.