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Steroids: what are they and what is their mechanism of action?

Steroids: what are they and what is their mechanism of action? There are many types of steroids with various roles and functions. Corticosteroids have an important role to play in a variety of physiological processes in the body, including stress response, immune response, regulation of inflammation, carbohydrate metabolism, protein metabolism, blood electrolyte levels and behaviour. These drugs fall into two categories: glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Whereas mineralocorticoids promote sodium retention in the kidney, and therefore control electrolyte and water levels, glucocorticoids control carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism and are anti-inflammatory in nature. When taken at high doses, corticosteroids can produce many adverse side effects; therefore, the lowest possible effective dose should always be given for a minimum period. Care should always be taken with withdrawing from a course of systemic steroids, and tapering should always be based on a patient's individual needs. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Journal of Aesthetic Nursing Mark Allen Group

Steroids: what are they and what is their mechanism of action?

Journal of Aesthetic Nursing , Volume 1 (4): 4 – Oct 1, 2012

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References (1)

Publisher
Mark Allen Group
Copyright
Copyright © 2012 MA Healthcare Limited
ISSN
2050-3717
eISSN
2052-2878
DOI
10.12968/joan.2012.1.4.198
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

There are many types of steroids with various roles and functions. Corticosteroids have an important role to play in a variety of physiological processes in the body, including stress response, immune response, regulation of inflammation, carbohydrate metabolism, protein metabolism, blood electrolyte levels and behaviour. These drugs fall into two categories: glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Whereas mineralocorticoids promote sodium retention in the kidney, and therefore control electrolyte and water levels, glucocorticoids control carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism and are anti-inflammatory in nature. When taken at high doses, corticosteroids can produce many adverse side effects; therefore, the lowest possible effective dose should always be given for a minimum period. Care should always be taken with withdrawing from a course of systemic steroids, and tapering should always be based on a patient's individual needs.

Journal

Journal of Aesthetic NursingMark Allen Group

Published: Oct 1, 2012

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