title: Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis: pathogenesis, prevention and treatment.
abstract: Glucocorticoids (GC) are widely used for anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive 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 E2 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.
authors: Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, USA.
authors: P S
authors: PS
authors: Gulko
authors: A L
authors: AL
authors: Mulloy
mesh_terms: D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids