A 46 year old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus presents to the clinic for follow up. She takes prednisone daily for 3 months. Her condition is stable and she has no complaints since her last visit 3 months ago. She smokes a pack of cigarette daily for 15 years. She said that she is not faithful on her diet and exercise program.
On physical examination, her pulse is 84/min; blood pressure is 140/90, no cardiac or pulmonary abnormalities and no organomegaly.
What is the most appropriate lab test you should order on this visit?
A- Blood glucose and serum lipids
B- Serum thyroid stimulating hormone
C- Blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine
D- Serum cortisol
Answer:
This patient has been taking prednisone daily for 3 months. Blood glucose and serum lipids need to be checked regularly in all patients who use corticosteroids as a regular treatment.
The correct answer is A
Hi Dr Yakudu. Can you please clarify your comment. It is obvious that blood sugar needs to be monitored because, as you said, prednisone is glucogenic which means expected increase in serum glucose.
Prednisone, is a corticosteroid and hence a glucogenic..Blood sugar not monitored frequently