Hydrocortisone Injections for Children

What are the benefits of Hydrocortisone Injections for Children?

Hydrocortisone injections raise the level of the hormone cortisol when the body doesn’t produce enough in emergency situations.

They can play a role in the treatment plan for children with many different endocrine conditions, all of which have in common a decreased ability to produce cortisol from one’s adrenal gland.

• Addison’s Disease – Also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, most commonly thought to be due to autoimmune processes.
• Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) ­– Rare metabolic disorder and genetic disease most commonly affecting boys. This disorder damages nerves in the brain, leading to physical and mental disabilities.
• Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)– Rare genetic disorder affecting the adrenal glands that can interfere with sexual development and the body’s ability to produce cortisol and other adrenal hormones.
• Pituitary Lesions ­­– Abnormal growth (tumor) in your pituitary gland that affects pituitary hormone production. The hormones which control the adrenal gland’s production of cortisol come from your pituitary gland, so pituitary problems often are associated with adrenal problems as well.
• Septo-Optic Dysplasia – This condition can cause a child to have an underdeveloped pituitary gland, affecting the production of many hormones throughout the body.

What are the side effects of Hydrocortisone Injections for Children?

Since it is meant to be a one time dose, given in an emergency situation, if it is given safely and with proper technique, the risks of injectable hydrocortisone are minimal. Any injection can be associated with any of the following side effects:

• Severe pain at the injection site
• Tingling or numbness
• Redness, swelling, or warmth at the injection site
• Drainage at the injection site
• Prolonged bleeding
• Signs of an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing or facial swelling)

Because the injectable medicine is a big dose of hydrocortisone, it can also cause temporary increases in your blood pressure or blood sugar levels. If you have any concerns about the side effects, talk with your provider.

If your child is on chronic hydrocortisone (or other steroid) therapy, speak to your child's provider about carrying an injectable form of hydrocortisone in case of medical emergencies.

What are the prep instructions before Hydrocortisone Injections for Children?

Before:

1. Wash hands with soap and water.
2. Gather supplies:
   • Act-O- Vial
   • Alcohol pad
   • Band-Aid
   • Injection needle
   • Syringe
3. Check the expiration date.

Prepare the medication:

1. Mix medication by pushing down firmly on Act-O-Vial. Force the rubber stopper into the bottom chamber.
2. Turn the vial upside down until liquid clears. Do Not Shake!
3. Prepare the injection site with an alcohol pad.
4. Remove the plastic tab from Act-O-Vial to reveal the rubber stopper.
5. Clean the rubber stopper on Act-O-Vial with an alcohol pad.
6. Connect the needle to a 1-mL syringe.
7. Remove the needle cap and insert needle through the middle of the rubber stopper on Act-O-Vial.
8. Turn the vial upside down so needle points towards the ceiling.
9. Keep the needle tip below the liquid level.
10. Plunge down slowly to draw the correct dose to the syringe.
11. Remove the needle from vial.

Injection:

1. Use quick and straight motion to insert the needle into the muscle. The typical injection site is on the outer part of the thigh because it is free of large blood vessels and nerves.
2. Press on the plunger until all medication is administered.
3. Use a quick and straight motion to remove the needle.
4. Put a Band-Aid on the site.
5. Dispose of the needle properly.