Secondary osteoporosis: a review of the recent evidence.
OBJECTIVE
To review several causes of secondary osteoporosis as well as screening recommendations for underlying disorders.


METHODS
We conducted a review of the literature on many of the causes of osteoporosis that have been published during the past 15 years, focusing on those sources available from 2000 through the present. Indeed, more than two-thirds of the articles that we reviewed were printed during the past 6 years. These reports examined secondary osteoporosis in general, as well as many of the specific causes.


RESULTS
Secondary osteoporosis occurs in almost two-thirds of men, more than half of premenopausal and perimenopausal women, and about one-fifth of postmenopausal women. Its causes are vast, and they include hypogonadism, medications, hyperthyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, primary hyperparathyroidism, solid organ transplantation, gastrointestinal diseases, hematologic diseases, Cushing's syndrome, and idiopathic hypercalciuria. These causes have their own pathogenesis, epidemiologic features, and effect on the skeleton.


CONCLUSIONS
The causes of secondary osteoporosis are numerous, and an understanding of their characteristics with respect to bone density and potential fracture risk is essential in the management of osteoporosis. A heightened awareness of the possibility of their existence is necessary to provide optimal care.
Painter
Stephanie E
SE
Division of Endocrinology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois 60153, USA.
Kleerekoper
Michael
M
Camacho
Pauline M
PM
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects; D003480:Cushing Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000150:complications; D006402:Hematologic Diseases / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D006934:Hypercalcemia / Q000150:complications / Q000652:urine; D049950:Hyperparathyroidism, Primary / Q000150:complications; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000150:complications; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000150:complications; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D016377:Organ Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000150:complications
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents