Steroidiresistentti

Steroidiresistentti is a Finnish term that translates to "steroid-resistant" in English. It is most commonly used in a medical context to describe a condition or disease that does not respond to treatment with corticosteroids. Corticosteroids, often referred to as steroids, are a class of drugs that reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. They are widely used to treat a variety of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

When a condition is steroid-resistant, it means that standard doses of corticosteroids have failed to produce a significant improvement in symptoms or the underlying disease process. This can occur in various medical specialties, including rheumatology, pulmonology, dermatology, and nephrology. For example, certain autoimmune conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, or inflammatory diseases like asthma or inflammatory bowel disease, can sometimes become resistant to steroid therapy.

The reasons for steroid resistance can be complex and may involve genetic factors, altered drug metabolism, or changes in the signaling pathways that corticosteroids act upon. When a patient is diagnosed with a steroid-resistant condition, physicians will typically explore alternative treatment options. These might include other immunosuppressive medications, targeted therapies, or biologics, depending on the specific disease. Understanding steroid resistance is crucial for effective patient management and for developing new therapeutic strategies.