Question

Case Scenario: A 72-year-old woman comes in for problems related to a recent episode of fainting. Physical history includes rheumatoid arthritis (RA), PVC’s, and repeated bronchial infections. Treatment of the RA includes steroids. She states sleeping is an issue, getting less than three hours of sleep per night. You notice she has gained 15 pounds since her last visit. The doctor orders lab tests to include cortisol levels, lipid and cholesterol levels, and A1C.

Question: Explain the relation of infection to some medical treatments.

Answer 1

Some medical or surgical treatment leads to infection which is known as iatrogenic infection. In this case the patient is taking steroids which suppress immune system and causes infection . Steroids work by decreasing inflammation and reducing the activity of the immune system. Inflammation is a process in which the body's white blood cells and chemicals can protect against infection and foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses. Steroids reduce the production of chemicals that cause inflammation . Hence chances of infection increases .