Abstract

Either a corticosteroid or a corticotrophin may be used in the management of asthma and rheumatoid arthritis, and of a number of less common conditions including sarcoidosis, fibrosing alveolitis, the nephrotic syndrome, certain connective tissue disorders and certain skin diseases. The choice between them is influenced mainly by their unwanted effects and by the convenience of oral medication compared with injections. In emergencies of course only intravenous injection of a corticosteroid is appropriate.