Monitoring adverse reaction to steroid therapy in children.
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2004-04-05
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Abstract
Patients on corticosteroid therapy, specially for a long period are likely to develop many adverse effects related to the therapy. A physician should be conversant with these to ensure early detection, management and prevention, where possible. Thus, all patients on a long-term corticosteroid therapy should have a baseline and 3 monthly assessments for weight, height, blood pressure and other clinical features of Cushing's syndrome. A 2 hours postprandial blood sugar and serum electrolyte estimation should also be included. Ophthalmic evaluation for glaucoma and cataract should be carried out at 6 monthly intervals and densitometry annually for early detection of osteopenia. In addition, a high index of suspicion should be maintained for timely detection of infections, avascular bone necrosis, myopathy and pseudotumor cerebri.
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29 references.
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Seth A, Aggarwal A. Monitoring adverse reaction to steroid therapy in children. Indian Pediatrics. 2004 Apr; 41(4): 349-57