What is Prednisone?
Prednisone is a medication known as a corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation and overactivity in the immune system. It stops the immune system from producing chemicals that usually cause inflammation. Prednisone is a synthetic, anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid derived from cortisone and is biologically inert, converted to prednisolone in the liver [1, 2].
What are the uses of Prednisone?
Prednisone is prescribed to treat a wide variety of inflammatory and autoimmune health conditions. These include asthma, severe allergies, various forms of arthritis, skin diseases such as psoriasis and severe eczema, eye conditions like keratitis, inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis, flare-ups of multiple sclerosis, lupus, certain blood disorders, and certain cancers such as leukaemias and lymphomas. It's also used to treat hormone problems, such as adrenal insufficiency, where the adrenal glands don't produce enough natural steroid hormones [1, 3, 4].
In addition, Prednisone is used to treat conditions affecting the lungs, skin, eyes, kidneys, blood, thyroid, stomach, and intestines. It is also sometimes used to treat the symptoms of certain types of cancer [5].
Side effects of Prednisone
Prednisone can cause a variety of side effects. These can range from mild to severe, and their occurrence can depend on factors such as dosage, duration of use, and individual health conditions.
Common side effects: Common side effects include increased appetite and weight gain, which can change how fat is spread around the body [2, 4, 5]. Prednisone can also cause insomnia and restlessness, making it difficult for patients to fall asleep or stay asleep [1, 2, 6].
Another common side effect is hyperglycemia or high blood sugar levels, which can be a concern for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition [1, 2, 6]. Prednisone can also lead to hypertension or high blood pressure, which can be a severe issue for individuals with heart conditions [1, 2, 6].
Prednisone can also affect the skin, causing acne, thinning skin, and slow wound healing [2, 4, 5]. It can also increase sweating and fluid retention, oedema or swelling [1, 2, 6].
Severe side effects: Less common but more severe side effects include osteoporosis or weakened bones, adrenal suppression, and cataracts [1, 2, 6]. In rare cases, Prednisone can cause severe allergic reactions, which can include symptoms such as skin rash, itchiness, and swelling under the skin [2].
It's important to note that this is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Prednisone, it's essential to contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Does Prednisone affect STI blood tests?
As discussed, Prednisone is often used to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. It's essential to understand how it might interact with blood tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Based on the available studies, Prednisone does not appear to affect the results of STI blood tests directly. However, it can influence the immune response in individuals with certain STIs, such as HIV. For instance, a study found that prednisolone, a form of Prednisone, was associated with less decrease of CD4+ T cell count in pre-treated HIV patients, potentially prolonging the time of structured treatment interruptions for many HIV patients.
In conclusion, while Prednisone can influence the immune response in individuals with certain STIs, there is no direct evidence to suggest that it affects the accuracy of STI blood tests.