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 language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 199-206 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology |
Volume | 14 |
Issue number | 2 |
State | Published - Mar 1996 |
Keywords
- bone metabolism
- glucocorticoids
- osteoporosis
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Rheumatology
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology