Abstract

STEROID UTILIZATION IN CHILDREN: A FOCUSED EVALUATION AT A MAJOR CARE FACILITY

*Javeriya Anjum, Md Zaid AT, Navya S., Mrs Jothi R., Dr. T. Vithya and Dr. V. Rajeev

Abstract

Steroids are naturally occurring hormones used in pediatrics to treat conditions like asthma and allergies and reduce inflammation. While effective, their prolonged use carries risks, including potential side effects. The present study was carried out to analyze the reasons for prescribing steroids and to identify the most commonly used corticosteroids, it also focused on evaluating clinical outcomes, adverse drug reactions (ADRs), and the duration of steroid use. Data was collected from inpatient and outpatient wards, including patient demographics, medical history, and steroid prescription details, with informed consent obtained from participants. Over 6 months, 150 pediatric patients were included in the study, primarily steroids prescribed for bronchopneumonia, pharyngitis, and respiratory issues. The most commonly used steroids were Methylprednisolone(38%), Dexamethasone(30.7), and Hydrocortisone(8.7%), Budesonide(2.7%) and Prednisolone(2%). At discharge, 48% showed improvement but remained on steroids, 20.7% were still improving with steroid treatment, and 31.3% fully recovered and no longer required steroids. This study found that the steroid use was appropriate, with no reported adverse drug reactions (ADRs) or drug-drug interactions (DDIs). Conversions of steroid type (sequential and switch-over method) and tapering were implemented to prevent flare-ups and ensure safe treatment practices. These studies also emphasize educating healthcare providers and parents to improve management, safety, and therapeutic outcomes in paediatric care. Therefore, prescribing corticosteroids to children requires careful evaluation of the benefits and risks.

Keywords: Steroids, Adverse Drug Reaction (ADRs), Drug- Drug interaction (DDI), Prescribing, Safety, Therapeutic outcome.