Glucocorticoids and infection

Glucocorticoids alter the host response to both common and unusual infectious agents through widespread effects on immunity and the inflammatory process. Patients with ectopic ACTH syndrome or with exposure to high doses of exogenous glucocorticoids are at highest risk of infection. Care of these patients involves decreasing the levels of glucocorticoids whenever possible, preventing exposure to infectious agents, and aggressively evaluating patients with suspected infection.