Pharmacology – MCQ 92 – Adrenal suppression due to steroid therapy

Which one of the following is true of adrenal suppression due to steroid therapy?
A. It is not associated with atrophy of the adrenal glands
B. It does not occur in patients receiving inhaled steroids
C. It should be expected in anyone receiving > 5mg Prednisolone daily
D. Following cessation, the stress response normalizes after 8 weeks

Correct answer : C. It should be expected in anyone receiving > 5mg Prednisolone daily

Steroid therapy can cause adrenal suppression with atrophy of adrenal gland. It can occur even with inhaled steroids. Following cessation of steroid intake, the stress response may take 1 year or more to normalize.