Complications of Steroids

(Purple striae to the left)


(dorsal fat pad pictured above)

Many patients with require corticosteroid treatment for their underlying medical condition. Unfortunately, there are many complications of these drugs - a discussion with patients of the risks, benefits, and alternatives of corticosteroid therapy should be performed prior to starting therapy.

Skin & Soft Tissue: thinning of the skin and easy bruising. Cushingoid features are common, which include central obesity, dorsal fat pad, weight gain, purple striae, and moon facies.

Eyes: cataract formation and glaucoma.

Metabolic: hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia.

Central Nervous System: sleep disturbances, mood changes, hypomania, and overt psychosis.

Cardiovascular: Increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke - likely stemming from the metabolic abnormalities. Patients may be at an increased risk of hypertension and congestive heart failure from fluid-retention.

Gastrointestinal: Patients are at an increased risk of developing gastritis, ulcer formation, and GI bleeding - especially when concomitantly taking NSAIDS.

Musculoskeletal: There is the rare but dreaded avascular necrosis of the hip, and commonly osteopenia and osteoporosis which can result in fragility fractures. Patients may also develop proximal muscle weakness from a steroid-induced myopathy.

Infection: Steroids are immune modulators and patients are at an increased risk of infection - perhaps from decreased phygocytic function or a blunted cytokine response.

Pregnancy: Steroids may be a risk factor for cleft-palate development in the fetus.



(another complication of steroids pictured to the left)