What Are Corticosteroids?

Video: What Are Corticosteroids?

Video: What Are Corticosteroids?
Video: What Makes Corticosteroids so Beneficial? | Johns Hopkins 2024, March
What Are Corticosteroids?
What Are Corticosteroids?
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Corticosteroids are an analogue of glucocorticoids - a type of hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. These drugs have anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and immunosuppressive effects, which is why they are widely used in medicine.

In addition to its positive features, as with many drugs, the intake of corticosteroids is also associated with a number of complications. In order to overcome them, many preparations with different half-lives and methods of application have been created.

Admission to
Admission to

Cortisol is the main glucocorticoid. Synthetic corticosteroids differ from it in that it has additional bonds and chemical groups. In addition, different preparations differ in the duration of their biological action.

Corticosteroids are most often used for immunosuppressive or anti-inflammatory purposes. Their mechanism of action is complex. For example, when they restrict the blood supply to the affected area, they also control the proliferation of the cells involved in the immune response, as well as the signaling between them, through biologically active substances.

They inhibit fibroblast activity and collagen synthesis, controlling fibrotic changes after the active phase of inflammation. In simple words, they are extremely useful in combating acute inflammatory processes, acute allergic reactions, and states of shock. They are also good for the treatment of autoimmune diseases of the eyes, skin and others.

Glucocorticoids
Glucocorticoids

Systematic use of corticosteroids leads to a number of side effects. It disrupts metabolism and leads to the accumulation of adipose tissue in the abdomen and around the internal organs, face and supraclavicular area and reduction in the limbs.

In addition, this synthetic hormonal substitute raises blood sugar and leads to a diabetogenic effect. It can also lead to myopathy with progressive muscle weakness and osteoporosis due to loss of collagen synthesis.

Another key point is the retention of sodium and water. Blood pressure rises, there are neuropsychiatric disorders, redness of the face, violet stretch marks, pigmentation disorders, complications of the eyes or gastrointestinal tract and others.

When you start treatment with corticosteroids an assessment of the condition, benefits and risks of treatment is required.