Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis

The most disabling of these adverse effects is the development of osteopenia, which is more severe in the regions with high trabecular bone content (spine and ribs), and less striking in predominantly cortical bone areas (Hann et al, 1979).

Abstract

The most surprising thing about the study by Adinoff and Hollister in this issue of the Journal is that such a study needed to be performed at all.1 It has been known for several years that supraphysiologic doses of glucocorticoids can cause osteoporosis. As long ago as 1932, Harvey Cushing noted that an excess of endogenous glucocorticoid was accompanied by osteoporosis.2 Why then was it necessary for Adinoff and Hollister to determine whether osteoporosis develops in glucocorticoid-treated asthmatics? Eight years ago, Mueller measured bone mass at the distal radius and reported that glucocorticoid therapy resulted in loss of bone in . . .