Is steroid-induced osteoporosis preventable?

Article Abstract:

One of the most serious complications of long-term corticosteroid therapy is bone loss. This can lead to fractures, and one-third of patients taking corticosteroids will experience a spinal fracture. A 1993 study found that bone loss could be reduced by giving patients on corticosteroids calcium and calcitriol. The effect lasted at least one year after the patients stopped taking calcium and calcitriol. However, 25% developed hypercalcemia, or elevated calcium levels in the blood. This may be an unacceptable side effect. Other chemicals that can reduce bone loss include calcitonin, estrogen and the bisphosphonates. Etidronate is a bisphosphonate that can effectively reduce bone loss. Some corticosteroids such as deflazacort have fewer adverse effects on bone. Calcitonin and fluoride compounds can be used to restore bone loss in patients who have already developed corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis.

Editorial

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Prevention of corticosteroid osteoporosis: a comparison of calcium, calcitriol, and calcitonin

Article Abstract:

Calcium supplements and the drug calcitriol may prevent bone loss and fractures of the spine in patients taking corticosteroids. Bone loss and subsequent fractures are common side effects of corticosteroids. Of 92 patients taking an average of 13.5 milligrams of corticosteroids each day, 29 also took calcium, 34 took calcium and calcitriol and 29 took calcium, calcitriol and calcitonin. The treatment lasted one year. During the treatment, bone loss in the lumbar spine was significantly reduced in the patients taking calcium and calcitriol, with or without calcitonin. However, all the patients continued to lose bone in the hip and wrist. For a year after the treatment was discontinued, bone loss in the spine continued to remain low in the patients who had taken calcium and calcitriol.

Usage, Calcitriol

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Bone mineral density and gene-environment interactions in the search for osteoporosis genes

Article Abstract:

Research presented concerns the factors involved in bone mineral density and genetic predisposition to osteoporosis. Topics addressed include identifying genes and environmental influences that may have an effect on bone mineral density and bone fracture risk.

United States, Bones, Genetic aspects, Bone density

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