A 26 year old man has had Crohn’s disease of the ileum for 10 months and has been treated with several drugs. He now suffers from muscle weakness, centripetal obesity, and a round, plethoric face. These side effects are most likely associated with the long-term use of:

**Core Concept**
Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can lead to malabsorption and malnutrition. Long-term treatment of Crohn's disease often involves the use of corticosteroids, which can have significant systemic effects.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The described side effects - muscle weakness, centripetal obesity, and a round, plethoric face - are characteristic of Cushing's syndrome, a condition caused by excess cortisol in the body. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, can lead to Cushing's syndrome when used long-term. This occurs because corticosteroids are potent glucocorticoids that can cause a range of systemic effects, including growth and metabolism changes. The increased cortisol levels can lead to muscle weakness, fat redistribution (centripetal obesity), and a moon-like face (plethoric).

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is not provided.
* **Option B:** This option is not provided.
* **Option C:** This option is not provided.
* **Option D:** This option is not provided.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Corticosteroids can have significant systemic effects when used long-term, including Cushing's syndrome, osteoporosis, and glaucoma. It's essential to use corticosteroids judiciously and monitor patients for these potential side effects.

**Correct Answer:** C.

✓ Correct Answer: D. Prednisone