What are the guidelines for adjusting corticosteroid doses during acute illness, including considerations for stress dosing in patients with adrenal suppression?
Lakshya KumarExplorer
What are the guidelines for adjusting corticosteroid doses in acute illness?
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1. During acute illness, increase corticosteroid doses 2-3 times for patients with adrenal suppression to prevent crisis.
2. For severe illness or surgery, consider IV hydrocortisone equivalent to 100mg every 8 hours for 24-72 hours.
3. Adjust oral corticosteroids to 20-30mg/day of hydrocortisone during minor infections in adrenal insufficient patients.
4. Monitor vital signs and electrolytes closely; taper back to regular doses as condition improves and stabilizes.
5. Consult endocrinologist for personalized stress dosing during acute events if patient history is complex.