Vol 62, Supp. II (2011)
Review paper
Published online: 2011-09-21
Current indications for prevention and therapy of steroid-induced osteoporosis in men and women
Abstract
Steroid-induced osteoporosis is a textbook example of the secondary type of this medical condition. Glucocorticosteroids suppress bone
formation by their direct and indirect effect on osteoblasts, osteoclasts and osteocytes, increasing their resorption and, eventually, leading
to negative bone balance. A clinical problem arises regarding the fact that approximately 50% of patients on chronic steroid therapy undergo
asymptomatic bone fractures. The treatment mode includes minimising the dose of administered steroids, encouraging an improved
lifestyle and supplementation with adequate calcium and vitamin D3 doses. Bisphosphonates are a group of medical agents used both to
prevent and treat steroid-induced osteoporosis, although new therapies have also become available in recent years.
(Pol J Endocrinol 2011; 62 (education supplement II): 1–8)
(Pol J Endocrinol 2011; 62 (education supplement II): 1–8)
Keywords: steroid-induced osteoporosismenwomentreatmentprevention
![](https://journals.viamedica.pl/plugins/generic/popups/images/icons/close.png)