Endocrine Abstracts

Patients receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy are at risk of adrenal crisis if they do not adhere to steroid sick day rules during periods of physiological stress or illness. While this is well recognised in Addison’s disease, similar risks apply to patients with a range of medical conditions. This point prevalence study aimed to assess awareness of steroid sick day rules among inpatients on long-term steroid therapy at University Hospital Waterford (UHW). On a single day, all inpatients across nine medical and surgical wards were screened. Medication records (Kardex) and admission notes were reviewed to identify patients on long-term steroids. These patients were then asked a single question: “Do you know what to do with your steroids when you become unwell?” Responses were recorded as “yes” or “no.” Of 237 inpatients reviewed, 18 (7.6%) were on long-term steroid therapy. Only 2 patients (11.1%) were aware of steroid sick day rules. Among subgroups: 6 patients had Addison’s disease (0% aware), 6 were renal transplant recipients (33.3% aware), and 7 had rheumatological conditions (0% aware). Within the rheumatology group, 3 had polymyalgia rheumatica, 2 had rheumatoid arthritis, and 1 had vasculitis. These findings highlight a significant gap in steroid safety education among patients on long-term corticosteroids in the inpatient setting at UHW. Improved patient education strategies, including routine counselling and provision of steroid emergency cards, are urgently needed to reduce the risk of adrenal crisis in this vulnerable population.