Abstract

BENCHMARKING STEROID USE: A DOORSTEP INTO STEROID STEWARDSHIP

Shuhaila Muhammadali*, Rifana K. M., Shafeeque Rahman C. P. and Dr. Linu Mohan P.

ABSTRACT

Steroids are widely prescribed and used by practitioners due to powerful anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive actions.[1] The actions of corticosteroids historically were described as glucocorticoid-carbohydrate metabolism-regulating and mineralocorticoid-electrolyte balance-regulating, reflecting their preferential activities. In humans, cortisol (hydrocortisone) is the main glucocorticoid and aldosterone is the main mineralocorticoid. After the innovative discovery of Cortisol by Hench and Kendall, synthetic corticosteroids (i.e. Glucocorticoids) were discovered and were proved to be lifesaving drugs in multiple disease conditions.[2] Glucocorticoids are the corticosteroids most likely to be encountered in daily practice in primary care.[3] Besides the use of glucocorticoids in wide variety of disease conditions they may also cause serious side effects on different body systems. Occurrence of these side effects depends on the duration and dose of glucocorticoid usage.[2]

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