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→Clinical Uses
Steroids can be used as treatment in a wide variety of clinical scenarios. For example, one major use of steroids is against inflammatory disease. Both acute inflammatory disease (such as allergic reactions) and chronic conditions (such as osteoarthritis) may benefit from the administration of steroids.
Steroids can be used as treatment in a wide variety of clinical scenarios. For example, one major use of steroids is against inflammatory disease. Both acute inflammatory disease (such as allergic reactions) and chronic conditions (such as osteoarthritis) may benefit from the administration of steroids.
Immune-mediated disorders can also be treated with steroids. Initially, high doses are used which are gradually decreased until an effective maintenance dose for that individual is reached. In protocols such as this, steroids may be used in conjunction with other immuno-supressive drugs. Examples of diseases that may be treated this way are immune-mediated haemolytic anaemis, myasthenia gravis and immune-mediated skin disease.
Immune-mediated disorders can also be treated with steroids. Initially, high doses are used which are gradually decreased until an effective maintenance dose for that individual is reached. In protocols such as this, steroids may be used in conjunction with other immuno-supressive drugs. Examples of diseases that may be treated this way are [[Autoimmune diseases - WikiClinical#1. Immune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia (IMHA)|immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia]], [[Muscles Developmental - Pathology#Myasthenia gravis (MG)|myasthenia gravis]] and immune-mediated skin disease.
Steroids can be used to treat shock. The timing of treatment is important in this instance, and a high dose of a short-acting glucocorticoid is usually used. Cerebral oedema can also be treated with steroids.
Steroids can be used in the treatment of neoplasia. They are usually used as part of a chemotherapeutic protocol in conjunction with additional chemotherapeutic agents, but also help in the management of secondary complications such as paraneoplastic hypercalcaemia.
As above, some steroids can be used intra-articularly.
Steroids with mineralocorticoid activity are used to treat [[Hypoadrenocorticism - Addison's Disease|addison's disease]].