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Review
. 2016 Feb;42(1):157-76, ix-x.
doi: 10.1016/j.rdc.2015.08.004. Epub 2015 Oct 24.

Infection Risk and Safety of Corticosteroid Use

Jameel Youssef  1 , Shannon A Novosad  2 , Kevin L Winthrop  2
Affiliations
Review

Infection Risk and Safety of Corticosteroid Use

Jameel Youssef et al. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2016 Feb.

Abstract

Corticosteroids are frequently used to treat rheumatic diseases. Their use comes with several well-established risks, including osteoporosis, avascular necrosis, glaucoma, and diabetes. The risk of infection is of utmost concern and is well documented, although randomized controlled trials of short-term and lower-dose steroids have generally shown little or no increased risk. Observational studies from the real world, however, have consistently shown dose-dependent increases in risk for serious infections as well as certain opportunistic infections. In patients who begin chronic steroid therapy, vaccination and screening strategies should be used in an attempt to mitigate this risk.

Keywords: Bacterial infections; Corticosteroids; Opportunistic infections; Rheumatic diseases.

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