S21_17

Guidelines for the prevention and therapy of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis

P. Boulos, J.D. Adachi

Department of Rheumatology, St. Joseph’s Hospital, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

ABSTRACT
Aim
To review the literature and provide guidelines for the prevention and treatment of glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis.

Methods
Review of all randomized controlled trials studying prevention or treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

Results
There is ample evidence in the literature demonstrating that use of supraphysiologic doses of glucocorticoids can lead to significant amounts of bone loss as early as the first 3 to 6 months of use, with devastating consequences. While our understanding of the mechanisms leading to glucocorticoid-induced bone loss is limited, effective therapy for prevention and management is available.

Conclusion
Current data show that bisphosphonate therapy is the treatment of choice for the prevention and management of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

Key words
Guidelines, glucocorticoid, osteoporosis, prevention, management, bisphosphonate, bone density.

Please address correspondence and reprint requests to: P. Boulos, MD Department of Rheumatology, St. Joseph’s Hospital, McMaster University, 501-25 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 1Y2, Canada.
E-mail: boulosp@fhs.mcmaster.ca