Lecture Notes: Corticosteroids

Introduction

• Corticosteroids: A type of steroid drug used to treat inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and ulcerative colitis.
• Common misconception: Steroids are often associated with big muscles and athletes, but there are several types:
  • Mineralocorticoids: Includes hormones like aldosterone
  • Sex steroids: Includes estrogen and testosterone
  • Corticosteroids: Includes cortisol (focus of this lecture)

Memorization Techniques

• Asteroids as a visual mnemonic for steroids ("court asteroids" for corticosteroids).
• Drug name recognition:
  • Drugs often end in "-sone".
  • Symbolism for key drugs:
    • President for prednisone and prednisolone.
    • Deck for dexamethasone.
    • Court for cortisone, hydrocortisone, and fludrocortisone.

Clinical Uses

• Anti-inflammatory use: Symbolized by a fire extinguisher.
  • Treats autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and ulcerative colitis.
• Immunosuppression:
  • Symbolized by a broken shield (immune system suppression).
  • Used for autoimmune diseases and organ transplant rejection prevention.
• Addison's Disease:
  • Remember "address" for Addison’s disease (adrenal insufficiency).
  • Corticosteroids replace hormones not produced by adrenal glands.

Side Effects

• Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar): Symbolized by a bowl of candy.
  • Particularly important for diabetic patients.
• Fluid Retention: Symbolized by water bottles.
  • Can lead to hypertension, swelling, and weight gain.
• Osteoporosis: Symbolized by a fracturing pillar.
  • Long-term use increases risk.
• Cataracts: Symbolized by fogged glasses.
  • Possible with long-term exposure.
• GI Distress: Symbolized by nauseous president.
  • Includes nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort.
  • Minimized by taking with food.
• Muscle Weakness: Resulting from long-term use.
• Cushing’s Syndrome: Symbolized by a cushion.
  • Caused by cortisol overload from high doses.

Recap

• Corticosteroids include drugs like prednisone, dexamethasone, and hydrocortisone.
• Effective in treating inflammatory autoimmune conditions and adrenal insufficiency.
• Common side effects: Hyperglycemia, fluid retention, GI distress, and muscle weakness.
• Long-term effects: Risk of osteoporosis, cataracts, and development of Cushing’s syndrome.

Conclusion

• Watch and review as needed; further resources available for deeper understanding.
• Engage with additional materials for comprehensive learning.