[Systemic glucocorticoid therapy: associated measures]

Abstract

Long-term treatment with glucocorticoids results in many adverse effects. Prevention of osteoporosis is well codified, but prevention of other adverse effects is not. If there is some consensus on the prevention of glucocorticoid-induced adverse events, there are also many habits since interventional studies are lacking. A low caloric and low carbohydrate diet as well as a regular physical training are certainly necessary to avoid lipodystrophy, weight gain and diabetes mellitus. Some patients benefit from the repeated intervention of a dietetic or nutrition specialist. Physical training is often neglected though it is efficacious to limit severity of glucocorticoid-induced myopathy and probably to reduce vascular risk. Low sodium intake has no effect on lipodystrophy and its efficacy to prevent hypertension is doubtful. Benzodiazepines may be useful against anxiety, insomnia and nervousness when these symptoms are cumbersome. Anti-ulcer drugs are generally not indicated because glucocorticoids are not ulcerogenic. Hypokaliemia rarely occurs, so we prefer controlling serum potassium level 1 and 3 months after glucocorticoid initiation rather than systematically prescribe potassium supplementation. Patients on glucocorticoids are at increased risk for cardiovascular events. Due to the lack of studies specific to patients on long-term glucocorticoid therapy, the rules for the prescription of statins are the same as in the general population. There is no known prevention for cutaneous atrophy. However, use of adhesive tape should be strictly avoided when skin atrophy is severe. Prevention of infections is developed elsewhere.