Steroid Therapy

Discuss with a Designated Medical Officer if:
Has been regularly taking steroid tablets, injections or enemas, or applying creams over large areas.

For information on other situations where steroid therapy may be acceptable, refer to entry for immunosuppression.

1. a) If occasional use of creams over small areas of skin for minor skin complaints, accept.

b) If using steroid inhalers for prophylaxis, accept.

c)  Cornea only: If corneas are stored in organ culture and in the absence of other contraindications, accept. See additional information section

Autoimmune Disease
Eye Disease
Immunosuppression
Infection – acute
Infection – chronic
Skin Disease
Tissue and Cell Allograft Recipients

Steroid therapy in high doses causes immunosuppression. This may mask infective and inflammatory conditions that would otherwise prevent donation. For further information refer to ‘Immunosuppression’ entry. 

The underlying condition requiring steroid treatment should always be taken into consideration.

Eye donors receiving steroid treatment e.g. steroid eye drops, should be evaluated on a case by case basis, taking into consideration the indication for treatment as well as any possible side effects. Relevant clinical records, especially ophthalmology records, should be reviewed.

Links to the Infection – acute, Infection – chronic and Eye Disease entries have been added. Discretionary section amended regarding cornea donation.