Which laboratory test is essential for monitoring patients on long-term corticosteroid therapy?

Monitoring patients on long-term corticosteroid therapy requires careful attention to the electrolyte balance, particularly checking sodium and potassium levels. Corticosteroids can cause sodium retention and potassium loss, leading to conditions such as hypertension and hypokalemia. This alteration in electrolytes can significantly impact patient health, so routine electrolyte panels are essential.

Other tests, like a complete blood count, liver function tests, and blood glucose levels, may also provide useful information, but they do not specifically address the immediate risks associated with corticosteroid therapy as effectively as monitoring electrolytes does. For instance, while blood glucose levels are vital since corticosteroids can elevate glucose levels and lead to diabetes, it is the electrolyte panel that directly assesses the potential for significant disturbances induced by corticosteroids.