Side Effects of Corticosteroids in Nephrotic Syndrome

Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that are produced in the adrenal cortex. Corticosteroids are involved in a wide range of physiologic systems such as stress response, immune response and regulation of inflammation, carbohydrate metabolism, protein catabolism, blood electrolyte levels, and behavior.
Many diabetic patient need it.
But Do you Know Side Effects of Corticosteroids in Nephrotic Syndrome?
Corticosteroids are frequently used in treating Nephrotic Syndrome. This treatment are often called hormonotherapy. Objectively speaking, hormonotherapy is effect in treating symptoms of Nephrotic Syndrome. However, there are many side effects of Corticosteroids, especially long-term receiving this therapy. The following passages nearly generalize all major side effects.
Infection
Corticosteroids can effectively suppress the immune system, so long-term use will decrease patients’ immunity. Under such condition, patients are easy to be infected by bacteria, tubercle bacillus, fungus, virus or others. When patients develop infection, their inflammatory reaction is usually atypical. Missed diagnosis often happens. Besides, infection is difficult to control and easy to diffuse. Among these infections, hematogenous dissemination tuberculosis and Gut infection caused by fungus are most severe. They may cause life-threatening danger.
High blood pressure and swelling
This is related with retention of water and sodium, caused by corticosteroids. When using corticosteroids, patients should be monitored closely. If needed, diuretics and medicine of lowering blood pressure should be given.
Ulcer
Corticosteroids can promote gastric acid and pepsase secreting. And therefore too much gastric acid and pepsase induce ulcer and even ulcer with hemorrhage and perforation. Hence, people with ulcer should be careful when using Corticosteroids.
Osteoporosis
Corticosteroids can restrain osteoblast activity, calcium absorption of intestines and osteosis, as well as promoting Bone absorption, resulting in Osteoporosis. Therefore, it is better to take Vitamin D and calcium tablet for patients receiving long-term hormonotherapy, especially the elderly patients.
Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head
Hormonotherapy, especially therapy with large amount of corticosteroids can cause obstruction of bone microcirculation, leading to Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head. If patients have uncomfortable feeling or pain, they are suggested to do Femoral head X-ray or Magnatic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
Electrolyte disturbance
Corticosteroids can promote excretion of potassium, resulting in hypokalemia.
Glycosuria
Corticosteroids can restrain insulin of using glucose and promote neoglycogenesis, leading to increase of glucose in blood and thereby causing Glycosuria.
Hyperlipidaemia
Long-term hormonotherapy causes Hyperlipidaemia, promoting atherosclerosis.
Poor Wound Healing
It is related with the fact that corticosteroids can restrain protein synthesis, promote proteolysis and restrain mechanocyte of its functions.
Mental state
Patients using corticosteroids may have abnormal mental state. Excessive excitability and insomnia may occur.
Physical shape
Fat face and body, limb muscle atrophy and wrinkled skin are the most common physical changes occurring among patients receiving hormonotherapy.
In conclusion, patients should be careful when receiving hormonotherapy. Don’t use corticosteroids randomly. Consult the doctor before taking action.
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