Faculty Bibliography

Part 3 of this 4-part continuing medical education series reviews several important infectious complications of corticosteroid use, including a focus on pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis, tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, and other infections, followed by a discussion of vaccination recommendations in immunosuppressed patients.

The final article in this 4-part continuing medical education series reviews the ocular, cardiovascular, muscular, and psychiatric side effects of glucocorticoids and discusses side effects unique to pediatric patients.

Part 2 of this 4-part continuing medical education series continues with a discussion of the prevention and management of gastrointestinal side effects associated with corticosteroid use, including peptic ulcer disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, and pancreatitis, followed by a review of corticosteroid-related endocrinologic side effects, such as diabetes, adrenal suppression, and Cushing syndrome.

Systemic glucocorticoids are an essential therapy for a range of conditions, but their multiple side effects can produce significant morbidity for patients. The objective of this review is to discuss these side effects while addressing 3 questions: 1) What dose and duration of glucocorticoid therapy should prompt concern for individual side effects?; 2) How should clinicians counsel patients about these complications?; and 3) How can these problems be prevented or managed? To accomplish these objectives, we have created a series of tables and algorithms based on a review of relevant data to guide counseling, prophylaxis, and management of 11 glucocorticoid side effects. The first article in this 4-part continuing medical education series begins with a review of glucocorticoid pharmacology followed by a discussion of bone health (ie, osteoporosis and osteonecrosis).