Side effect of steroids are all except:
The question is asking which option is NOT a side effect. Common non-side effects might be something like hypoglycemia, weight loss, or decreased appetite. But wait, steroids typically cause hyperglycemia due to gluconeogenesis, so hypoglycemia would be incorrect. Also, they can lead to weight gain due to fluid retention and increased appetite.
Looking at the options, the correct answer would be the one that doesn't fit. For example, if one of the options is "hypoglycemia," that's the correct answer here. I need to make sure the other options are actual side effects. Let me check each possible distractor.
Now, structuring the explanation. The core concept is the side effects of corticosteroids. Then, the correct answer is the one that's not a side effect. For each wrong option, explain why it's a real side effect. For the correct answer, explain why it's not. The clinical pearl should highlight a key point, maybe that steroids increase glucose levels, so hypoglycemia is not a side effect. Need to make sure the explanation is concise and fits within the character limit. Also, use bold for key terms and avoid markdown headers as per the instructions.
**Core Concept**
Corticosteroids are synthetic glucocorticoids with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Their side effect profile includes hyperglycemia, osteoporosis, hypertension, and Cushingoid features due to metabolic, endocrine, and cardiovascular pathways. Identifying non-steroidal side effects is critical for safe prescribing.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
**Option C:** *Hypoglycemia* is not a side effect of steroids. Corticosteroids stimulate gluconeogenesis, increase insulin resistance, and antagonize insulin action, leading to **hyperglycemia**, not hypoglycemia. This makes hypoglycemia an exception in the list.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** *Hypertension* is a known side effect due to sodium retention and increased vascular resistance.
**Option B:** *Osteoporosis* occurs from suppressed bone formation and increased resorption via glucocorticoid receptors.
**Option D:** *Cushing’s syndrome* results from prolonged use, mimicking endogenous hypercortisolism (moon face, buffalo hump).
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Steroids cause **hyperglycemia**, **weight gain**, and **imunosuppression**—never associate them with hypoglycemia. Remember: “**S**teroids = **S**weet (glucose), **S**alty (Na+), **S**oft (skin thinning).”
**Correct Answer: C. Hypoglycemia**