Strategies for Minimizing Corticosteroid Toxicity: A Review

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are used commonly for the treatment of various pediatric inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Although potent and generally effective, they are not without risks for producing serious adverse effects, especially when used in high doses for prolonged periods of time. For proper use of systemic glucocortcoids, a basic knowledge of the pharmacology, clinical usage guidelines, and adverse reactions of these agents is imperative. This review article emphasis on the commonly observed side-effects encountered with GC use in children and their underlying basic pathophysiological mechanisms. The appropriate anticipation of these side-effects with timely implementation of the suggested evidence-based guidelines has the potential significantly to prevent, minimize and treat common and disabling complications of glucocortcoid therapy. [Indian J Pediatr 2008; 75 (10) : 1067-1073] E-mail : surjitsinghpgi@rediffmail.com