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Which of the following is NOT a serious adverse effect of long-term oral glucocorticoid therapy?

A. Adrenal suppression
B. Osteoporosis
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Peptic ulcer disease

User Zubda
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Final answer:

The correct answer to the question is C. Hypoglycemia, as it is not a serious adverse effect of long-term oral glucocorticoid therapy. Instead, glucocorticoids usually increase blood glucose levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to the serious adverse effects of long-term oral glucocorticoid therapy. Checking the list provided for which effect is not typically associated with long-term use of this treatment:

  • Adrenal suppression is indeed a serious adverse effect as the long-term use of glucocorticoids can suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
  • Osteoporosis is also a known serious effect, as the therapy can lead to decreased bone density and increased fracture risk.
  • Peptic ulcer disease can occur due to the therapy's effect of increasing stomach acid and decreasing the protective mucus lining.
  • However, hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels) is not a typical serious adverse effect of this therapy; in fact, glucocorticoids generally increase blood glucose levels and the risk of hyperglycemia.

Therefore, the correct answer is C. Hypoglycemia.

User Tent
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