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Review article: Biomedical intelligence

Vol. 152 No. 0102 (2022)

Short-term glucocorticoid-related side effects and adverse reactions: a narrative review and practical approach

  • Sarah Noetzlin
  • Gautier Breville
  • Jörg D. Seebach
  • Giacomo Gastaldi
DOI
https://doi.org/10.4414/SMW.2022.w30088
Cite this as:
Swiss Med Wkly. 2022;152:w30088
Published
07.01.2022

Summary

Glucocorticoids are the mainstay treatment of a variety of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. Unfortunately, metabolic side effects, drug interactions and adverse reactions commonly lead to glucocorticoid-related side effects, thereby compromising their intended anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. The goal of this review is to help clinicians to monitor the broad spectrum of side effects of short-term systemic glucocorticoid administration, defined as glucocorticoid treatment shorter than 30 days. We review the various systems affected, with a focus on metabolic conditions and hyperglycaemia management.

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