[Side effects of corticosteroidal therapy in patients with chronic forms of sarcoidosis].

The biological activity of glucocorticosteroids (GCS) is that there is always a risk of complications during repeated long courses of therapy in patients with recurrent sarcoidosis even if treatment is correctly organized. The clinical side effects of GCS were studied in 99 patients identified in 1995 to 2002, who had a chronic process and had been continuously treated with GCS for 2 years or more. The altered adrenal function by tile type of hypercorticism was observed in 73 (73.7%) patients, subsequent hypocorticism developed in 60 (60.6%). Impairments in electrolyte balance and protein, carbohydrate, and fat metabolism were seen in 74 (74.6%) patients; impaired functional disintegration of the hypothalamic-pituitary system in 26 (26.2%), allergic reactions in 12 (12.1%), complications of mixed genesis (gastritis and erosions of the stomach and intestine) in 20 (20.2%). A teratogenic effect was not observed. The most effective treatment of sarcoidosis--oral GCS--frequently leads to the occurrence of a great deal of side effects and drastically changes the quality and style of life in a patient with sarcoidosis. The correct and timely use of GCS in sarcoidosis requires a complete understanding of the pharmacological properties and features of their action, consideration of undesirable effects of treatment and the heath status of a patient with underlying diseases.