Glucocorticoids.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) have powerful anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects and are useful for treating many rheumatic diseases.Glucocorticoids work by inhibiting leukocyte access to infl amed tissues, interfering with the function of cells involved in the infl ammatory process, and suppressing the production of humoral factors such as cytokines and prostaglandins involved in immune infl ammatory processes.Glucocorticoids accomplish their effects by several mechanisms, including altering synthesis of proteins, releasing proteins from intracellular protein complexes that include GC receptors, and changing the properties of biological membranes.Initial GC dosage should be determined by the type and severity of the disease manifestation under treatment.■ Because of signifi cant toxicity associated with long-term GC use, doses of <7.5 mg daily are recommended only if required to control symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]