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Cushing syndrome, adrenal suppression and local corticosteroid use
Rubina Hameed1, Margaret R Zacharin
1Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|June 2, 2006
Summary
Intra-articular corticosteroid injections for arthritis can cause adrenal suppression in children. Recognizing this risk is crucial to prevent severe illness or death.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Rheumatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Intra-articular corticosteroid injections are common treatments for pediatric arthritis.
- Potential systemic side effects, including adrenal suppression, are not always recognized.
Observation:
- Two pediatric patients presented with Cushingoid features and severe adrenal suppression post-injection.
- These symptoms developed after receiving corticosteroid injections into joints.
Findings:
- Intra-articular corticosteroid administration can lead to significant adrenal suppression in children.
- Unrecognized adrenal suppression poses a risk of serious medical complications.
Implications:
- Pediatricians must be vigilant for adrenal suppression following joint injections.
- Monitoring cortisol levels post-injection is recommended for early detection and management.
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