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Short-term Side Effects of Pulse Steroid Treatment in Children
Gulbaran Koncak1, Orkun Tolunay1, Asena Unal1
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Health Sciences, Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Adana, Turkey.
Insights
Pulse steroid therapy in children can increase blood glucose and cause side effects like skin, psychiatric, and gastrointestinal issues. Further research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and complications in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Pediatric Pharmacology
Background:
- Pulse steroid therapy is utilized in pediatric care.
- Limited data exists on its early side effects in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the early side effects of pulse steroid therapy in hospitalized pediatric patients.
- To assess the treatment efficacy and associated complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients treated with pulse steroid therapy.
- Monitoring of blood glucose levels and incidence of side effects.
- Evaluation of treatment response and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Fasting blood glucose levels increased significantly during treatment.
- Common side effects included dermatological (48.5%), psychiatric (31.4%), and gastrointestinal (31.4%) issues.
- Hypertension was observed in 20% of patients; 24 patients responded to treatment, 11 did not, and one died.
Conclusions:
- Pulse steroid therapy in children is associated with elevated blood glucose and various side effects.
- Further multicenter, randomized controlled trials are necessary to establish optimal use and safety profiles in diverse pediatric populations.
Abstract:
This study is aimed to evaluate pediatric patients, who were hospitalised in the Department of Pediatrics, University of Health Sciences, Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Turkey, between January, 2019 and January, 2020, and treated with pulse steroid therapy and the early side effects of their treatment. The fasting blood glucose levels of the patients during treatment were statistically significantly higher than those prior to the treatment. The most common side effects observed in the patients were dermatological (48.5%), psychiatric (31.4%), and gastrointestinal (31.4%). Hypertension was detected in seven patients (20%) after treatment; and continued in three, who subsequently underwent antihypertensive treatment. Pulse steroid treatment was administered for a median of five days (3-11 days). It was found that 24 patients responded to treatment, 11 patients did not respond, and one patient died. There is a shortage of studies in literature on pulse steroid therapy and its side effects, especially focusing on children. Multicentre and randomised controlled studies are needed comprising different patient groups to evaluate the efficacy and complications associated with its use. Key Words: Children, Side effect, Pulse steroid treatment.
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