Corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus, with most patients receiving them at some point in the course of their disease. Corticosteroid use is associated with significant side effects, including infections, hypertension, hyperglycemia, osteoporosis, avascular necrosis, myopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. Dosing regimens are based on limited data, with the goal of adequately controlling inflammatory symptoms while minimizing steroid exposure in order to reduce adverse effects.
