Preventive Care for Children on Chronic Glucocorticoid Therapy Lacks Standardization

Few children receiving chronic glucocorticoid treatment receive all recommended preventive health measures, and variation among specialties exists.

Chronic glucocorticoid therapy may be complicated by osteopenia, dyslipidemia, infections, weight gain, and adrenal suppression. Recommendations for screening and preventing these complications include screening for 25-hydroxyvitamin D, pneumococcal vaccine, lipid screening, influenza vaccination, and home prescription of intramuscular hydrocortisone for prevention of adrenal insufficiency.

To assess adherence to these recommendations, researchers retrospectively assessed care received by 701 children (median age, 15 years) seen in gastroenterology, nephrology, or rheumatology clinics who received at least 15 days (median, 143 days) of continuous glucocorticoid therapy and were followed for a minimum of 90 days (median, 589 days).

Results wer…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Preventive Care for Children on Chronic Glucocorticoid Therapy Lacks Standardization

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Reviewing Author