Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids

These are potent anti-inflammatory agents that have wide-ranging e ff ects on the immune system. Prolonged exposure to steroids causes numerous potential side e ff ects, including: a Cushingoid appearance with a moon face, central obesity , abdominal striae and proximal myopathy; thin skin that bruises easily; hypertension; glucose intolerance that may lead to new-onset diabetes mellitus; osteoporosis; and peptic ulcer disease. These may be minimised by rapid reduction or withdrawal of steroids.