Which of the following is TRUE of adrenal suppression due to steroid therapy?: (A) It is not associated with atrophy of the adrenal glands, (B) It is less likely to occur in patients receiving inhaled steroids, (C) It should be expected in anyone receiving >5 mg prednisolone daily, (D) Following cessation, the stress response nor-malizes after 8 weeks
Answer is B. Ans. (B) It is less likely to occur in patients receiving inhaled steroids(Ref: KDT 8/e p318)HPA-axis suppression is associated with adrenal atrophy.It occurs when hydrocortisone (>20-25 mg/ day) or equivalent is given for more than 2-3 weeks. In the question, there is no mention of time.Patients developing HPA axis suppression must be provided with steroids for stressful situations for ONE YEAR after withdrawal.Chances of HPA-axis suppression is minimum with inhaled route as compared to oral route.