Bisphosphonates in the treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis: pros

Endocrine. 2015 Aug;49(3):620-7. doi: 10.1007/s12020-014-0506-5. Epub 2015 Feb 4.

Abstract

In glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO), both bone formation and resorption are altered, however, with a relative prevalence of resorption, consistent with the positive results that have been reported with bisphosphonate treatment. Many studies have investigated the effect of bisphosphonates (BPs), a widely used class of anti-resorptive drugs, showing a positive effect on bone mineral density and fracture risk. Also in case of postmenopausal osteoporosis, the safety and cost-effectiveness profile of BPs in GIO appears good. Currently, the use of BPs is recommended at the earliest by all major scientific societies in postmenopausal women and men ≥50 years at high risk of fracture receiving glucocorticoid therapy. BPs are the most commonly used anti-osteoporotic agents and they remain the current standard of care for GIO.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bone Density / drug effects
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / economics
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Diphosphonates / economics
  • Diphosphonates / therapeutic use*
  • Glucocorticoids / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Osteoporosis / chemically induced*
  • Osteoporosis / drug therapy*
  • Osteoporosis / economics

Substances

  • Bone Density Conservation Agents
  • Diphosphonates
  • Glucocorticoids