Dexamethasone: Antirheumatic properties, hormonal effects and adverse reactions (A 16 month study)

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Dexamethasone has been administered for 8 to 16 months (0.5 to 4.0 mg. daily), with satisfactory antirheumatic response in 20 of 27 patients with rheumatoid arthritis.This compound has been found to be the most potent anti‐inflammatory corticosteroid thus far produced. It suppresses ACTH and possibly thyroid‐stimulating hormone production by the anterior pituitary. Thyroid function, as measured by radioactive iodine uptake, was reduced in 11 of 19 patients during dexamethasone administration.The most common side effect in this group was striking weight gain—more than 4 Kg. in 19 patients. Three patients experienced pathologic fractures and one, a peptic ulcer during dexamethasone therapy. There were two deaths during the period of study.