Glucocorticoids-Induced Hypertension: The Prevalence and Risk Factors

Introduction: Despite benefits in the treatment of most autoimmune and inflammatorydiseases, glucocorticoids (GCs) have proved side effects including hypertension, diabetes,osteoporosis and lipid disorders. Determining the risk factors for hypertension can facilitatethe identification of high-risk individuals and lead to effective control of the side effects. Thepresent study aimed to determine the risk factors for hypertension in individuals receivinghigh-dose GCs.Methods: This prospective study recruited 140 adults (age> 18 years) requiringprednisolone or equivalent more than 30mg daily for at least three months. Theparticipants’ blood pressure was monitored every month and correlations between theincidence of hypertension and variables such as serum calcium levels, weight, underlyingdiseases, body mass index (BMI), and folic acid use were investigated by repeatedmeasure analysis.Results: While none of the subjects were hypertensive at baseline, 55 patients (39.28%)developed hypertension during the course of the study. Baseline weight and BMI,cumulative GC dose, family history of hypertension, and age were significantly higher inhypertensive patients.Conclusion: High BMI, male gender, elderly, family history of hypertension may haveimpact on development of hypertension in patients taking GCs.

کلیدواژه ها:

Glucocorticoids ، Hypertension ، Side Effects