The Rheumatologist
COVID-19 News
  • Connect with us:
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • Feed
  • Home
  • Conditions
    • Rheumatoid Arthritis
    • SLE (Lupus)
    • Crystal Arthritis
      • Gout Resource Center
    • Spondyloarthritis
    • Osteoarthritis
    • Soft Tissue Pain
    • Scleroderma
    • Vasculitis
    • Systemic Inflammatory Syndromes
    • Guidelines
  • Resource Centers
    • Ankylosing Spondylitis Resource Center
    • Gout Resource Center
    • Psoriatic Arthritis Resource Center
    • Rheumatoid Arthritis Resource Center
    • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Resource Center
  • Drug Updates
    • Biologics & Biosimilars
    • DMARDs & Immunosuppressives
    • Topical Drugs
    • Analgesics
    • Safety
    • Pharma Co. News
  • Professional Topics
    • Ethics
    • Legal
    • Legislation & Advocacy
    • Career Development
      • Certification
      • Education & Training
    • Awards
    • Profiles
    • President’s Perspective
    • Rheuminations
    • Workforce
  • Practice Management
    • Billing/Coding
    • Quality Assurance/Improvement
    • Workforce
    • Facility
    • Patient Perspective
    • Electronic Health Records
    • Apps
    • Information Technology
    • From the College
    • Multimedia
      • Audio
      • Video
  • Resources
    • Issue Archives
    • ACR Convergence
      • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Resource Center
      • Rheumatoid Arthritis Resource Center
      • Gout Resource Center
      • Abstracts
      • Meeting Reports
      • ACR Convergence Home
    • American College of Rheumatology
    • ACR ExamRheum
    • Research Reviews
    • ACR Journals
      • Arthritis & Rheumatology
      • Arthritis Care & Research
      • ACR Open Rheumatology
    • Rheumatology Image Library
    • Treatment Guidelines
    • Rheumatology Research Foundation
    • Events
  • About Us
    • Mission/Vision
    • Meet the Authors
    • Meet the Editors
    • Contribute to The Rheumatologist
    • Subscription
    • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Search
You are here: Home / Articles / Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis

Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis

June 1, 2008 • By Staff

  • Tweet
  • Email
Print-Friendly Version / Save PDF

Osteoporosis is a condition of weak bone caused by a loss of bone mass and a change in bone structure. Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis is a form of osteoporosis caused by taking glucocorticoid medications, such as prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone, etc.), prednisolone (Prelone), dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol), and cortisone (Cortone Acetate). These medications are used to help control many rheumatic diseases, including RA, systemic lupus erythematosus, and polymyalgia rheumatica.

You Might Also Like
  • FDA Approves Denosumab for Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis
  • Denosumab Is Effective for Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis
  • Denosumab May Work Better Than Risedronate for Steroid-Induced Osteoporosis
Explore This Issue
June 2008
Also By This Author
  • Dermatology Case Answer: History of ANCA–Associated Vasculitis, Fever, Rash

Anyone who takes glucocorticoid medications for more than three months is at risk of developing osteoporosis and fractures. These medications have a direct negative effect on bone cells, resulting in a reduced rate of bone formation. They can also interfere with the body’s handling of calcium and affect levels of sex hormones, leading to increased bone loss. The most dangerous consequence of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis is fracture—including spine and hip fractures, which can lead to chronic pain, long-term disability, and death.

ad goes here:advert-1
ADVERTISEMENT
SCROLL TO CONTINUE

To determine if a patient has glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, you can measure the bone mineral density (BMD) at different parts of the patient’s body, such as the spine and hip. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is currently the best test to measure BMD. The test is quick and painless; it is similar to having an X-ray taken, but uses much less radiation. DXA results are scored in comparison to the BMD of young, healthy individuals, resulting in a measurement called a T-score. Patients with T-scores of -2.5 or lower are considered to have osteoporosis and are at a higher risk for a fracture.

According to patient fact-sheet writer Shreyasee Amin, MD, “the major goal in the management of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis is the prevention of fractures and to help decrease bone loss.” At a minimum, she suggests that “patients should take 1,000 to 1,500 milligrams of calcium and 400 to 800 IU of vitamin D supplements on a daily basis.”

ad goes here:advert-2
ADVERTISEMENT
SCROLL TO CONTINUE

Of course, the first step in management of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis is for the patient to discuss it with his or her rheumatologist. To help prevent the possibility of a fracture, the dose and duration of glucocorticoid medication should be minimized, if it is possible for the rheumatologist to do so while keeping the underlying disease under control. Other modifiable risk factors for osteoporosis should be minimized, and weight-bearing physical activity should be encouraged. Finally, it is important to remind patients that the major goal in the management of their glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis is the prevention of fractures, and it is important to help prevent trauma, which can increase the risk for fractures.

Pages: 1 2 | Single Page

Filed Under: Conditions, From the College Tagged With: Diagnostic Criteria, Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis, OsteoporosisIssue: June 2008

You Might Also Like:
  • FDA Approves Denosumab for Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis
  • Denosumab Is Effective for Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis
  • Denosumab May Work Better Than Risedronate for Steroid-Induced Osteoporosis
  • RA Patients May Not Receive Needed Osteoporosis Screening & Treatment

Rheumatology Research Foundation

The Foundation is the largest private funding source for rheumatology research and training in the U.S.

Learn more »

ACR Convergence

Don’t miss rheumatology’s premier scientific meeting for anyone involved in research or the delivery of rheumatologic care or services.

Visit the ACR Convergence site »

American College of Rheumatology

Visit the official website for the American College of Rheumatology.

Visit the ACR »

The Rheumatologist newsmagazine reports on issues and trends in the management and treatment of rheumatic diseases. The Rheumatologist reaches 11,500 rheumatologists, internists, orthopedic surgeons, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who practice, research, or teach in the field of rheumatology.

About Us / Contact Us / Advertise / Privacy Policy / Terms of Use

  • Connect with us:
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • Feed

Copyright © 2006–2021 American College of Rheumatology. All rights reserved.

ISSN 1931-3268 (print)
ISSN 1931-3209 (online)

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.
This site uses cookies: Find out more.