SIGNS & SYMPTOMS, INVESTIGATIONS & DIAGNOSIS

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Adverse effects of long-term use:

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Increased intracranial pressure
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Growth impairment in children
• Adrenal suppression
• Cushing’s syndrome
• GI perforations and haemorrhages
• Weight gain
• Immunosuppression
•  Electrolyte disturbances: hypernatremia,
  hypokalaemia, hypocalcaemia
• – MSK: osteoporosis, tendinopathies.

INVESTIGATIONS & DIAGNOSIS

Monitoring requirements:

• – BP
• – Weight –
• Height (in children – every 6 months)
• – Hba1c (1mo after, then 6 monthly)
• – Triglycerides (1mo after, then 6-12
  monthly)
• – Potassium (1mo after, then 6-12
  monthly)
• – FRAX score – DXA scan – Eye examination
• – Signs/symptoms of adrenal suppression