[Glucocorticoids and... infections, doping, surgery, sexuality]

Abstract

The risk of infection is increased in patients treated with glucocorticoids, especially in those taking long-term and high dosage treatment. However, there is little valid practice for the prevention of infections in this patient population. The risk of reactivation or worsening of a latent infection (e.g., hepatitis B, tuberculosis, strongyloidiasis) is proved and individual reflection should be conducted in at-risk patients. Preventions of Pneumocystis jiroveci or upper urinary tract infections are considered differently according to practitioners' habits and their specialties. Adequate prevention should be prescribed in glucocorticoid-treated patients who have been in contact with varicella zoster or measles virus. Many vaccines could be prescribed in those people but live vaccines should be avoided. A consultation of travel medicine should be systematically proposed before a travel in intertropical zone. Anti-inflammatory and stimulant properties of glucocorticoids are frequently misused in order to improve sport performances. All glucocorticoids are considered as performance-enhancing drugs. Their prescription should therefore be adapted to the laws in force in the sport. By reducing vomiting and pain, glucocorticoids may be beneficial in patients undergoing surgery. However, in people prescribed long-term glucocorticoid therapy, the risk of postoperative adrenal insufficiency has to be considered, even though very few data are available on this topic. Oral contraceptives or intra-uterine devices are effective contraceptives methods in patients treated with systemic glucocorticoids.