KUMJ | VOL. 13 | NO. 3 | ISSUE 51 | JULY-SEPT. 2015
Study on Corticosteroids use Pattern in Dermatological Practice and Investigating Adverse Effect of Corticosteroids Including its Associated Factors
Shakya Shrestha S, Bhandari M, Shrestha R, Thapa SR, Karki A, Prajapati M, Shrestha S, KC S, Karna D
Abstract: Background
Corticosteroids are highly effective drugs with anti-inflammatory and
immunosuppressive properties. Due to this, they have become a mainstay of
pharmacotherapy in dermatology. However, improper and long term uses are
associated with a number of serious adverse effects.
Objective
To investigate the corticosteroids use pattern, adverse effects and various factors
associated with adverse effects in dermatological practice.
Method
A cross-sectional study was conducted in a dermatology department of tertiary care
hospital. All patients using at least one corticosteroids, either topically or systemically
or the combination were included in this study. Informed consent was taken from
the patients and interviewed using structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was
performed by using SPSS 20. p-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.
Result
Among the 60 participants under this study, 81.67% of them were females. The
mean (±SD) age of the patients was 31.03 years (±15.0). A majority (58.30%) of the
patients was prescribed with topical corticosteroids with low potency (25%). Most
of them had used corticosteroids for urticaria. Adverse effects were reported by
33.30% of the patients. The most common adverse effect reported was the shedding
of skin. Adverse effects was significantly associated with gender; use of systemic
corticosteroids; regular use of corticosteroids; discontinuation of dose abruptly; and
missed dose. However, there was no significant association between adverse effects
and the duration of use of corticosteroids.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the present study suggested that the proper counselling and clear
instruction regarding the use of corticosteroid should be provided to the patients
for avoiding the abrupt discontinuation of the prescribed medication leading to
treatment failure.
Keyword : Adverse effect, corticosteroid, dermatology, treatment failure.
