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Adrenal suppression following low-dose topical clobetasol propionate.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Ohman, EM; Rogers, S; Meenan, FO; McKenna, TJ
Published in: J R Soc Med
July 1987

The use of topical steroids is associated with adverse systemic effects such as suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and application of more than 50 g per week of clobetasol propionate cream has been shown to cause secondary adrenal failure. We describe 4 patients who used clobetasol propionate cream over a prolonged period; 3 patients used less than 50 g per week (7.5, 25 and 30 g per week) and yet all developed secondary adrenal failure for up to 4 months after cessation of therapy. Adrenal insufficiency following prolonged use of clobetasol propionate in moderate dosages may therefore be more common than previously recognized. It is suggested that the metyrapone test, which conveniently examines the entire HPA axis, should be employed in patients receiving long-term topical clobetasol propionate cream and that glucocorticoid supplementation should be given during episodes of stress, such as infections and surgery, for up to 4 months after cessation of therapy.

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Published In

J R Soc Med

DOI

ISSN

0141-0768

Publication Date

July 1987

Volume

80

Issue

7

Start / End Page

422 / 424

Location

England

Related Subject Headings

  • Psoriasis
  • Middle Aged
  • Male
  • Humans
  • General & Internal Medicine
  • Female
  • Depression, Chemical
  • Clobetasol
  • Betamethasone
  • Aged
 

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Ohman, E. M., Rogers, S., Meenan, F. O., & McKenna, T. J. (1987). Adrenal suppression following low-dose topical clobetasol propionate. J R Soc Med, 80(7), 422–424. https://doi.org/10.1177/014107688708000709
Ohman, E. M., S. Rogers, F. O. Meenan, and T. J. McKenna. “Adrenal suppression following low-dose topical clobetasol propionate.J R Soc Med 80, no. 7 (July 1987): 422–24. https://doi.org/10.1177/014107688708000709.
Ohman EM, Rogers S, Meenan FO, McKenna TJ. Adrenal suppression following low-dose topical clobetasol propionate. J R Soc Med. 1987 Jul;80(7):422–4.
Ohman, E. M., et al. “Adrenal suppression following low-dose topical clobetasol propionate.J R Soc Med, vol. 80, no. 7, July 1987, pp. 422–24. Pubmed, doi:10.1177/014107688708000709.
Ohman EM, Rogers S, Meenan FO, McKenna TJ. Adrenal suppression following low-dose topical clobetasol propionate. J R Soc Med. 1987 Jul;80(7):422–424.
Journal cover image

Published In

J R Soc Med

DOI

ISSN

0141-0768

Publication Date

July 1987

Volume

80

Issue

7

Start / End Page

422 / 424

Location

England

Related Subject Headings

  • Psoriasis
  • Middle Aged
  • Male
  • Humans
  • General & Internal Medicine
  • Female
  • Depression, Chemical
  • Clobetasol
  • Betamethasone
  • Aged