TITLE:
Complications of Corticosteroid Therapy in Rheumatological Practice in Guinea
AUTHORS:
Aly Badra Kamissoko, Eve Urielle Amenan Ledjou, Mamadou Lamine Diallo, Abèni Faouzyath Yaya, Mohamed Mouhoudhoiri Yasser, Aboubacar Sidiki Condé, Souleymane Camara, Marie Traoré, Abdoulaye Barry, Moriba Touré, Kaba Condé, Owonayo Oniankitan
KEYWORDS:
Corticosteroids, Complications, Guinea
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Rheumatology and Autoimmune Diseases,
Vol.14 No.3,
June
20,
2024
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Corticosteroid therapy used in rheumatology is effective but can lead to complications. The objective was to describe the complications of corticosteroid therapy in rheumatological practice at Ignace Deen University Hospital (Conakry). Methods: Cross-sectional study from July 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023. All patients who had been diagnosed with a rheumatological disease and who had received corticosteroid therapy were included. Results: Of the 1489 patients suffering from rheumatological diseases, 238 (15.9%) had received corticosteroid therapy. The average age of the patients was 48.5 ± 17.16 years with a female predominance (70.5%). The main indications for corticosteroid therapy were lower back pain due to probable disco-radicular impingement (35.8%) followed by rheumatoid arthritis (21.9%). The predominant method of administration was infiltration (56.9%). The average dosage was 24.2 ± 13.5 mg prednisone equivalent (range: 5 mg and 40 mg). Complications were present in 26 patients (10.9%) such as muscle cramps (3.8%), hypocalcemia (3.4%), edema of the lower limbs (3%), stimulation of appetite and weight gain (3%), high blood pressure (2.5%), hyperglycemia (2.5%). The occurrence of complications was associated with the high dose of corticosteroid (p = 0.014) and long-term use (p = 0.000). Conclusion: Corticosteroid therapy used in 15.9% of consultations in the rheumatology department of Ignace Deen University Hospital led to 10.9% of complications. These complications were related to the dose and duration of corticosteroid therapy.