Evaluation of High Dose Prednisolone Pharmacokinetics in the Acute and Chronic Setting
This is a pilot study to investigate serum prednisolone profiles in: * Patients on high doses of prednisolone for any inflammatory disorder, both in the acute and chronic setting. * Patients stepping up from or down to prednisolone therapy in association with a course of high dose methyl-prednisolone or dexamethasone. The study will comprise 3 groups, including those started on high doses of prednisolone acutely in an inpatient or outpatient setting, participants on chronically high doses, and those receiving a several week course of high dose methylprednisolone or dexamethasone. The study aims to measure prednisolone levels at a number of time points to investigate serum profile differences in those receiving prednisolone acutely compared with longer term steroid use. Further samples will be taken to characterise additional metabolic changes.
• Aged 18 - 75 years
• Male or female
• Participants who are otherwise healthy enough to participate, as determined by pre-study medical history
• Participants who are able and willing to give written informed consent to participate in the study
• Group A only: Patients requiring acute (\<5 days) high dose (minimum 30mg) oral prednisolone therapy for antiinflammatory purposes in either an inpatient or outpatient setting.
• Group B only: Minimum of 1 month duration of high dose prednisolone (\>30mg) if in the chronic use group.
• Group C only: Patients started on high dose methylprednisolone (\>3 day course) or prolonged courses of dexamethasone.