Abstract

KHAMMISSA, RAG et al. Glucocorticosteroids in the treatment of immune mediated oral diseases. S. Afr. dent. j. [online]. 2016, vol.71, n.2, pp.62-67. ISSN 0375-1562.

Glucocorticosteroids are indispensable agents in the treatment of mucocutaneous immune-mediated diseases because of their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. Short-term use of glucocorticosteroids is relatively safe, but long-term use may have serious adverse effects. Prednisone is the glucocorticosteroid most widely used systemically. It is inexpensive, and because of its intermediate duration of activity the risk of suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is reduced. Abrupt discontinuation of long-term glucocorticosteroid may cause withdrawal symptoms including malaise, low-grade fever and mood alterations, and at times may allow the return of the acute symptoms of the disease. Accordingly, termination of long-term use of glucocorticosteroids should be done gradually by tapering down the dose. This appraisal discusses core mechanisms of action of glucocorticosteroids and describes the appropriate dosage regimens of the drug in relation to immune mediated oral diseases.

Keywords : Prednisone; hypothalamus pituitary adrenal axis; cortisol.

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