Drugs and Chemicals /
BBetamethasone
(Alphatrex, Betatrex, Celestone, Cellestoderm)
A glucocorticoid given orally, parenterally, by local injection, by inhalation, or applied
topically in the management of various disorders in which corticosteroids are indicated.
Its lack of mineralocorticoid properties makes betamethasone
particularly suitable for treating cerebral edema and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Cerebral Edema
Increased intracellular or extracellular fluid in brain tissue.
Cytotoxic brain edema (swelling due to increased intracellular fluid) is indicative
of a disturbance in cell metabolism, and is commonly associated with hypoxic or ischemic
injuries. An increase in extracellular fluid may be caused by increased
brain capillary permeability (vasogenic edema), an osmotic gradient, local blockages in
interstitial fluid pathways,
or by obstruction of CSF flow (e.g., obstructive hydrocephalus).
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Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
A group of inherited disorders of the adrenal glands, caused by enzyme defects in the synthesis
of cortisol and/or aldosterone leading to accumulation of precursors for androgens. Depending
on the hormone imbalance, congenital adrenal hyperplasia can be classified as salt-wasting,
hypertensive, virilizing, or feminizing. The most common defect is in steroid 21-hydroxylase.
Other defects occur in steroid 11-beta-hydroxylase; steroid 17-alpha-hydroxylase; or 3-beta-hydroxysteroid
dehydrogenase.
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Seborrheic Dermatitis
A chronic inflammatory disease of the skin of unknown etiology. It is characterized by moderate
erythema, dry, moist, or greasy scaling, and yellow crusted patches on various areas,
especially the scalp. On the scalp, it generally appears first as small patches of scales,
progressing to involve the entire
scalp with exfoliation of excessive amounts of dry scales (dandruff).
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Neurodermatitis
An extremely variable eczematous skin disease that is presumed to be a response to prolonged
vigorous scratching, rubbing, or pinching to relieve intense pruritus. It varies in intensity,
severity, course, and morphologic expression in different individuals. Neurodermatitis is
believed by some to be psychogenic.
The circumscribed or localized form is often referred to as lichen simplex chronicus.
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