What is the mnemonic for the side effects of glucocorticoids?

What is the mnemonic for the side effects of glucocorticoids?

• A. M - Muscle wasting, O - Osteoporosis, A - Acne, B - Bone loss
• B. M - Mood changes, O - Obesity, A - Acne, B - Bone growth
• C. M - Metabolic syndrome, O - Onset of diabetes, A - Allergies, B - Breathing issues
• D. M - Memory loss, O - Overeating, A - Anxiety, B - Blood clots

Answer: (A)

The correct response focuses on the relevant side effects commonly associated with glucocorticoids, which are synthetic corticosteroids used to treat various conditions due to their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. The mnemonic M - Muscle wasting, O - Osteoporosis, A - Acne, B - Bone loss effectively encapsulates significant adverse effects. Muscle wasting occurs because glucocorticoids can lead to protein catabolism, affecting muscle mass negatively. Osteoporosis is another critical side effect, as chronic use of these medications can reduce bone density, increasing the risk of fractures. Acne is often noted as a skin reaction due to hormonal fluctuations influenced by glucocorticoids, and bone loss ties back into the broader issue of osteoporosis, reinforcing the concern about skeletal health. Other choices contain terms that do not accurately reflect the typical side effects of glucocorticoids. They either list unrelated conditions or do not focus on the well-documented adverse effects associated with long-term glucocorticoid use. Understanding the correct mnemonic helps in recalling and identifying these side effects in clinical practice, which is crucial for patient safety and management.

The correct response focuses on the relevant side effects commonly associated with glucocorticoids, which are synthetic corticosteroids used to treat various conditions due to their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. The mnemonic M - Muscle wasting, O - Osteoporosis, A - Acne, B - Bone loss effectively encapsulates significant adverse effects.

Muscle wasting occurs because glucocorticoids can lead to protein catabolism, affecting muscle mass negatively. Osteoporosis is another critical side effect, as chronic use of these medications can reduce bone density, increasing the risk of fractures. Acne is often noted as a skin reaction due to hormonal fluctuations influenced by glucocorticoids, and bone loss ties back into the broader issue of osteoporosis, reinforcing the concern about skeletal health.

Other choices contain terms that do not accurately reflect the typical side effects of glucocorticoids. They either list unrelated conditions or do not focus on the well-documented adverse effects associated with long-term glucocorticoid use. Understanding the correct mnemonic helps in recalling and identifying these side effects in clinical practice, which is crucial for patient safety and management.