When refering to evidence in academic writing, you should always try to reference the primary (original) source. That is usually the journal article where the information was first stated. In most cases Physiopedia articles are a secondary source and so should not be used as references. Physiopedia articles are best used to find the original sources of information (see the references list at the bottom of the article).
If you believe that this Physiopedia article is the primary source for the information you are refering to, you can use the button below to access a related citation statement.
Corticosteroids are synthetic analogs of the natural steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex and include glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. The synthetic hormones have varying degrees of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid properties. Glucocorticoids are predominantly involved in metabolism and have immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, and vasoconstrictive effects.[1]
Corticosteroid drugs (including cortisone, hydrocortisone and prednisone) are useful in treating many conditions, such as rashes, inflammatory bowel disease and asthma. However these drugs also carry a risk of various side effects.[2]
Corticosteroids are among the most widely prescribed drug classes worldwide, with an estimated market of more than 10 billion USD per year.
These medicines are on the WHO list of essential medicines, meaning they are widely available (usually at low cost).[3]
Corticosteroids with very little mineralocorticoid effect (ie little fluid retention) are used for conditions were fluid retention and oedema want to be kept to a minimum. Conditions include: HACE (high altitude cerebral oedema); Spinal Cord Injury ( within 8 hours); Bacterial Meningitis.
Route of Administration
The route of administration for corticosteroids depends on many factors, primarily being the disorder treated. The route can be parenteral, oral, inhaled, topical, injected (intramuscular, intraarticular, intralesional, intradermal, etc.), and rectal. [1]
Mechanism of Action
Glucocorticoid receptor
Corticosteroids produce their effect through multiple pathways. They produce: anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects; protein and carbohydrate metabolic effects; water and electrolyte effects; central nervous system effects; and blood cell effects.
They act by binding to intracellular receptors which then act to modulate gene transcription in target tissues. The pathophysiology of corticosteroid action has recently been illuminated by genetic analysis of congenital deficiency syndromes and by producing 'knockout' mice with gene deficiencies for glucocorticoid or mineralocorticoid receptors.[5]
Side Effects
Despite their significant efficacy, their many adverse effects limit the utility of corticosteroids. Corticosteroid adverse effects appear to be related to both their average dose and cumulative duration. Adverse effects are more common at higher dosages and with chronic use though they are not limited to these cases. Adverse effects are seen in up to 90% of patients who take them for more than sixty days.[1]
Short term use has few side effects.eg steroid injections, a steroid inhaler, short course of steroid tablets.
Prolonged treatment at high doses – particularly with steroid tablets – cause side effects in some people.[6] The most common adverse effects of corticosteroids include osteoporosis and fractures, suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, Cushingoid features, diabetes and hyperglycemia, myopathy, glaucoma and cataracts, psychiatric disturbances, immunosuppression, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal and dermatologic adverse effects[1].
Physiotherapy Implications
All interprofessional healthcare team members should be ready to educate their patients on corticosteroids and their potential adverse effects, and the modifications that can reduce these harmful effects.
Osteoporosis; A 2013 systematic review reporting that to to manage osteoporosis clients "may benefit from an exercise program at least 2 to 3 times per week over the course of at least 6 months, and physical therapists should consider helping their clients and patients to plan and design appropriate programs" The types of exercises recommended were high-force, non–weight-bearing exercise, such as progressive resistance training of the lower extremity, strength training and walking.[7]
Weight Gain: educate re healthy diet and advocate regularly exercising to try to prevent excessive weight gain.
Muscle wasting: starting a strengthening home exercise program to strengthen the major muscle groups would be ideal. The best exercise program would be one that benefited the bones, muscles and blood pressure.
Fluid Retention: educate re swelling of ankles, and provide foot and ankle exercises and if appropriate compression stockings. Blood pressure should be checked regularly, especially if a history of hypertension exists. Dr may need to prescribe diuretics or other medications to manage these problems.
Corticosteroids (cortisone-like medicines) are used to provide relief for inflammatory conditions. Corticosteroids are very strong medicines. In addition to their helpful effects in treating medical problem, they have side effects that can be very serious. Take note if clients are on these medications and take appropriate precautions with treatment eg osteoporotic bones, fragile skin. Note any adverse effects and notify appropriate medical staff.
