Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis: Pathogenesis, prevention and treatment

P. S. Gulko, A. L. Mulloy

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

42 Scopus citations

Abstract

Glucocorticoids (GC) are widely used for anti-inflammatory and immunossupressive therapy. Thirty to 50% of GC-treated patients develop osteoporosis. Potential mechanisms of GC-induced osteoporosis (GC-OP) include abnormalities in calcium balance, vitamin D metabolism, parathyroid hormone release and activity, prostaglandin E 2 and cytokine synthesis, interference with c-fos and p-53 expression in osteoblasts, and hypogonadism. Early diagnosis and detection of patients at risk are accomplished with rapid, safe and non-invasive bone density measurements. Preventive measures include maintaining a positive calcium balance, vitamin D supplementation (if indicated) and treatment of hypogonadism. The shortest duration and the smallest doses possible of GC for a particular condition are advisable. For high-risk patients and those with established GC-OP calcitonin or bisphosphonate therapy is recommended.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)199-206
Number of pages8
JournalClinical and Experimental Rheumatology
Volume14
Issue number2
StatePublished - Mar 1996

Keywords

  • bone metabolism
  • glucocorticoids
  • osteoporosis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Rheumatology
  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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