Cross-sectional study of bisphosphonate use in dermatology patients receiving long-term oral corticosteroid therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To examine whether patients had received bisphosphonates at the beginning of planned long-term glucocorticoid therapy, which is recommended by the guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology to prevent glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, prior to referral to a tertiary dermatology clinic.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Tertiary referral center.


METHODS
We reviewed 35 patients from an established cohort of patients referred with chronic skin diseases that require prolonged glucocorticoid use.


METHODS
The use of osteoporosis prophylaxis was determined by medical chart review and communication with patients.


RESULTS
Of 35 patients, 28 (80%) were not receiving any bisphosphonates at referral. These patients began glucocorticoid therapy 17 months (median, 6 months; range, 1-102 months) prior to referral. The proportion of patients treated with bisphosphonates in our cohort did not change after the guidelines of the American College of Rheumatology were published.


CONCLUSIONS
For patients of non-child-bearing potential with dermatological diseases in which prolonged oral corticosteroid treatment is anticipated, bisphosphonates should be prescribed concomitantly with the initiation of glucocorticoid therapy.
Liu
Rosemarie H
RH
Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, USA.
Albrecht
Joerg
J
Werth
Victoria P
VP
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates; D005938:Glucocorticoids