Effect on bone growth of daily versus alternate-day corticosteroid administration: an experimental study.
Young rabbits that received large doses of corticosteroids on an alternate-day basis grew normally and showed muscle and bone turnover patterns indistinguishable from those of untreated animals. In contrast, the daily administration of corticosteroids profoundly affected the skeletal system: growth ceased, and there were marked narrowing and premature closure of the epiphyseal plates. Osteoporotic changes were present at 1 week and progressed during the next 9 weeks. Muscle atrophy occurred early in the course of treatment and was associated with increased muscle fat deposition. Thus, in this study, alternate-day administration of corticosteroids clearly lessened the corticosteroid side effects of growth retardation, osteoporosis, and muscle wasting.
D000818:Animals; D001345:Autoradiography; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D001846:Bone Development / Q000187:drug effects*; D001862:Bone Resorption / Q000187:drug effects; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000032:analysis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006128:Growth / Q000187:drug effects; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000097:blood; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D011817:Rabbits
D010758:Phosphorus; D011239:Prednisolone; D008775:Methylprednisolone