Preface

Nearly 70 years after their successful launch into the clinic, corticosteroids are still the most prescribed anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive pharmacological agents. While corticosteroids are fairly inexpensive and frequently used as a treatment for a variety of pathological conditions, their long-term use is known to be connected with certain adverse effects, including osteoporotic, metabolic, gastrointestinal, or cardiovascular side effects, some of which may even be life-threatening. Corticosteroids are characterized by a complex mechanism of action, with still not fully determined pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic differences among various drugs. The benefits and harms of corticosteroids represent an everlasting question in the everyday assessment of the risk-to-benefit ratio during the prescribing process. Nevertheless, new medical indications for corticosteroids are emerging and updating every day.

This book is comprised of two sections on clinical challenges in corticosteroid use and safety and consequences of corticosteroid use. Starting with a comprehensive analysis of corticosteroid use in emergency pathologies, the first section includes valuable contributions on the usage of corticosteroids in musculoskeletal disorders, an assessment of inhaled corticosteroids, and an original study evaluating drug delivery of corticosteroids. The second section evaluates the safe use of cortisol for inflammation disorders, reviews corticosteroid-resistance diseases, and examines low bone mineral density after prolonged corticosteroid replacement therapy.

We hope this volume proves a useful framework for clinicians to further explore and update existing knowledge on corticosteroid use. We also hope that this book will be used as a reference by researchers, medical specialists, teachers, and students. Finally, we express sincere appreciation to all the chapter authors for their enthusiasm and expertise, as well as all the dedicated professionals at IntechOpen for their highly proficient and unconditional support.

> **Miroslav Radenković, MD, MSc, Ph.D.** Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

**1**

Section 1

Clinical Challenges in

Corticosteroids Use

Section 1
