Steroids are the cornerstone in treatment of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Steroids are used for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Although, they are known to cause serious adverse effects including glucose intolerance.
The mechanisms by which steroid-induced glucose intolerance (SIGI) include: increased gluconeogenesis in the liver, reduced glucose uptake in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, and induced pancreatic β-cell dysfunction.
The exact prevalence of SIGI in patients on chronic steroid therapy is unknown. The prevalence was reported to vary between 0% and 65% and several risk factors for the developing SIGI have been identified.
THE AIM OF THIS WORK
The aim of this work was to study steroid-induced glucose intolerance in patients with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus on long term steroid treatment and to determine the risk factors associated with development of steroid-induced glucose intolerance.
SUBJECTS
Subjects were recruited directly from outpatient Pediatric Nephrology Clinic. Sixty children aged from 2 to 18 years were enrolled; including 2 groups: thirty patients with INS and thirty patients with SLE on long-term steroids use for at least 6 months.