Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Improvement in survival of systemic lupus erythematosus has been brought about with new advancement in treatment. However, glucocorticoids remain the sole cornerstone and as patients live longer, there is a need to address long-term complications brought by long-term glucocorticoid use such as osteoporosis. In this review, glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in systemic lupus erythematosus will be extensively discussed. This would include prevalence of osteoporosis in systemic lupus erythematosus patients, the difficulties in measuring fracture risk and pitfalls in using conventional methods such as bone mineral density. In addition, the mechanism of actions of glucocorticoids and evidence for glucocorticoids in the treatment of specific systemic lupus erythematosus manifestations would be explored and we also discussed specific pathophysiological mechanisms in the development of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in systemic lupus erythematosus. We also reviewed the latest guidelines in the treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and the evidence for various osteoporosis medications. Finally, we recommend an approach in monitoring bone health and the treatment of osteoporosis specifically in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.