Dados do Trabalho

Título

THE IMPACT OF CORTICOSTEROID USE ON PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS SUBMITTED TO ANTINEOPLASTIC THERAPY

Introdução

Cancer and diabetes mellitus are characterized as one of the diseases that most affect people in the world and show growth estimates in the coming years, especially in developing countries. The incidence of these diseases is associated with several factors, such as changes in lifestyle, eating habits and life estimates. Despite the growing numbers, there are few studies that assess the association and impact of these two diseases on the individual. However, when undertreated diabetes mellitus can also lead to increased morbidity, reduced quality of life and increased mortality rate. In diabetic patients, there are several factors that can lead to hyperglycemic conditions, such as diet, medication and lifestyle. In cancer patients, the use of corticosteroids during treatment is a regular practice due to their benefits in antiemetic and desensitizing therapies.

Objetivo

This study aimed to evaluate the glycemic profile of cancer and diabetic patients during cancer therapy using corticosteroids.

Método

This is a retrospective cross-sectional observational study, carried out in an oncology center for infusion treatment, of supplementary health, located in the city of Rio de Janeiro.

Resultado

After preliminary analysis, ten patients with a mean age of 63.8 years were considered eligible. With the majority of patients being women (90%). All patients analyzed were undergoing oral corticosteroid therapy, some for desensitization, others for the purpose of potentiating antiemetic drugs. During treatment, it was possible to identify glycemic alterations (hyperglycemia) in all patients, in at least one treatment cycle. It was noticed that the laboratory tests were mainly restricted to the analysis of the blood count, corroborating the idea of other studies, in which they claim that cancer being considered more lethal, is prioritized within the therapeutics.

Conclusão

Due to the limitations presented by the study, it was not possible to infer whether the use of corticosteroids is the main responsible for the hyperglycemia presented by patients, since the measurement of blood glucose is performed randomly at the time of treatment, and the patient isn't required to fast. It was possible to identify the need for cancer patients with diabetes mellitus to be accompanied by a clinician or oncologist and a multidisciplinary team throughout the period of antineoplastic treatment. Through this monitoring, it's possible to reduce the risk caused by glycemic decompensation.

Palavras-chave

Neoplasms, Diabetes Complications, Antineoplastic Protocols