How Safe are STEROIDS for the Brain?

How Safe are STEROIDS for the BRAIN?

 A new study published in BMJ Open was done to expand our understanding whether long term steroid use like inhalers or systemic use caused any changes to the brain. The MRI scans included 222 exams and 24, 106 controls, in the UK. The study showed that users of steroids had decreased white matter integrity in the brain as well as changes to the gray matter. The study also showed systemic users (pill takers) had slightly more impact that inhaled glucocorticoid users.  Further, a secondary analysis showed that cognitive function was also decreased. Dr. Merel van der Meulan, of the Department of Medicine at Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands authored the study and warned about the observations.

Given the wide acceptance and regularity of steroid use for patients, providers need to be aware that this common seemingly benign medication can have lasting implications for patients that may be more problematic than previously thought.