TEXTBOOK ON CORTICOSTEROIDS

Corticosteroids are a class of chemicals that includes steroid hormones naturally produced in the adrenal cortex of vertebrates and analogues of these hormones that are synthesized in laboratories. Corticosteroids are involved in a wide range of physiologic processes, including stress response, immune response, and regulation of inflammation, carbohydrate metabolism, protein catabolism, blood electrolyte levels, and behavior. They are some of the most common drugs for management of patients undergoing stressful situations such as surgery and dentistry. Steroids have different effects on different tissues, which are dose dependent. The reason forvaried effect of steroids lies in its mechanism of action. While the therapeutic benefits of steroids are many, their adverse reactions, as well as long-term effects, must be noted while treating a patient. The management of the dental condition of such patients should be planned keeping in mind, the effect of long-term steroid therapy and its bearing on the dental treatment.