Intracranial hypertension corticosteroids

Lorrot M, Bader-Meunier B, Sebire G, Dommergues JP. Hypertension intracranienne benigne une complication meconnue de la corticotherapie. [Benign intracranial hypertension an unrecognized complication of corticosteroid therapy.] Arch Pediatr 1999 6(l) 40-2. 

The ocular side effects of corticosteroids are many and are related to the route of administration. The most common concerns are increased intraocular pressure (lOP) and cataracts, but delayed epithelial woimd healing and increased risk of infection due to immime modulation and decreased tear lysozyme levels are issues for the cornea. Changes to other ocular tissues have been noted (subconjunctival hemorrhages, blue sclera, eyelid hyperemia and edema, retinal emboUc events, central serous choroidopathy) and neurologic compUcations reported (diplopia, nerve palsies, intracranial hypertension) (see Appendix 35-1). 

Intracranial hypertension has been linked to a number of medications (Table 35-14), including corticosteroids (withdrawal), nalidixic acid, nitrofurantoin, danazol, ciprofloxacin, and amiodarone.The main two categories... 

Specific pharmacologic treatment in the management of intracranial hypertension includes mannitol, furosemide, and high-dose pentobarbital. Neither routine use of corticosteroids nor aggressive hyperventilation (i.e., Paco2 <25 mm Hg) should be used in the management of intracranial hypertension. 

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