Glucocorticoids (GC) are among the most widely used drugs, characterized by their anti-inflammatory potency, nevertheless their use are followed for many deleterious systemic effects. Osteoporosis is a preventable harmful effect of GC that has a high morbidity and mortality associated to the presence of fractures. The incidence of osteoporosis related to GC is between 30 to 50% and occurs mainly in the trabecular bone, particularly at the vertebrae. A multitude of systemic and local effects of GC on bone and mineral metabolism is involved in the pathogenesis of the bone loss. Despite frequently forgotten due the severity of the underlying disease, preventive treatment is effective in diminishing the deleterious effects on bone metabolism.
Glucocorticoid; Osteoporosis; Fracture; Bone mineral density; Corticoid