What potential condition may develop in patients who abruptly stop corticosteroid therapy after prolonged use?

The potential condition that may develop in patients who abruptly stop corticosteroid therapy after prolonged use is an adrenal crisis. This situation arises due to the suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis caused by long-term corticosteroid therapy. When corticosteroids are administered for an extended period, the body's natural production of corticosteroids from the adrenal glands diminishes. If the therapy is suddenly discontinued, the body may not be able to quickly resume adequate corticosteroid production, leading to insufficient levels of cortisol.

An adrenal crisis is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition characterized by severe hypotension, hypoglycemia, and other symptoms related to adrenal insufficiency. It is crucial for patients who have been on long-term corticosteroid therapy to gradually taper off the medication under medical supervision to allow the adrenal glands to regain their normal function and to prevent this dangerous situation from occurring.

In contrast, weight gain, hypertension, and fluid retention may be side effects of corticosteroid therapy itself, rather than consequences of its abrupt withdrawal. While these conditions may also cause concerns during or after treatment, they do not pose the immediate and severe health risk associated with an adrenal crisis.