The goal of this observational design is to study the effects of intravenous corticosteroids on heart rate variability, arrhythmias and microalbuminuria. Some previous studies have shown that intravenous corticosteroids could induce bradycardia but also supra-ventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation.

A second goal of this study is to investigate whether exogenous corticosteroids may induce microalbuminuria. A large retrospective study has revealed an association between microalbuminuria and corticosteroid use in the year preceding the measurement.

On intra-hospital patients, it will be explored the prevalence of arrythmias, the heart rate variability and the modification of the microalbuminuria level after intravenous infusion of corticosteroids. The investigator shall not initiate the treatment. Patients will receive high-dose intravenous corticosteroids for the treatment of different diseases. The departments, where the patients are enrolled, are: nephrology, neurology, dermatology and rheumatology and the day hospital. The day before the corticosteroids administration, a holter monitor will be started for at least 24h to detect arrhythmias and heart rate variations. By mean of a Finometer, beat-to-beat blood pressure, cardiac output and baroreflex sensitivity will be measured before, during and after the infusion. Blood and urine samples will be used to explore the effects of corticosteroids on microalbuminuria, electrolytes, CRP and glomerular filtration rate during the 3 days of observation.

To our knowledge, it will be the first prospective trial to explore a link between intravenous corticosteroids administration and heart rate variability, Baroreflex Sensitivity, as well as microalbuminuria.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Starting high-dose intravenous corticotherapy

Exclusion Criteria:

• None

Hospitalized patients who are starting high-dose corticotherapy in Hôpital Erasme (Brussels).