What are potential complications of long-term corticosteroid therapy?

Long-term corticosteroid therapy can lead to several significant complications due to the pharmacological effects of corticosteroids on the body. One of the most notable complications is osteoporosis, which occurs because corticosteroids can inhibit the formation of new bone and increase bone resorption. Over time, this imbalance creates a situation where bone density is significantly reduced, leading to an increased risk of fractures.

Adrenal suppression is another critical complication of prolonged corticosteroid use. The body’s adrenal glands produce cortisol, a natural corticosteroid, and when exogenous corticosteroids are administered over an extended period, the adrenal glands reduce their own production of cortisol. This suppression can lead to adrenal insufficiency when corticosteroids are suddenly discontinued, resulting in symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and potentially life-threatening adrenal crisis under stress situations.

While hypertension can result from corticosteroid therapy due to fluid retention and other mechanisms, it is not as directly linked as osteoporosis and adrenal suppression. Similarly, while gastrointestinal bleeding can occur in some patients receiving corticosteroids, liver damage is not a direct consequence of long-term corticosteroid use.

Therefore, the complications of osteoporosis and adrenal suppression clearly highlight the risks associated with extended corticosteroid treatment, making this the most appropriate choice in understanding the potential long-term effects.