Steroids as a risk factor for osteoporotic fracture

Abstract

Glucocorticoid is effective medicines for the treatment of, such as, collagen diseases, pulmonary diseases, skin diseases, organ transplantation, however, glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis have been a serious problem. Glucocorticoid is not only associated with decreased bone mineral density (BMD), but also with deteriorated bone quality, so osteoporotic fracture can occur even at slightly lower BMD. Recent studies have shown that long-term use of inhaled glucocorticoid at high doses is also associated with increased risk for fracture. Osteoporotic fracture decreases not only the abilities of daily living and the quality of life, but also to increase mortality, so earlier prevention for glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis is necessary at administration of glucocorticoid.