Background: The most serious side effects of systemic steroids include osteoporosis and suprarenal suppression. Many steroid regimens have been suggested to minimize these side effects; one of them is oral steroid pulse therapy.
Objective: To compare the side effects of a daily oral steroid regimen versus a weekly oral steroid pulse regimen on bone mineral density and suprarenal suppression.
Methods: Thirty patients with different skin diseases were divided into two groups: 15 for oral daily steroids (ODS) (group 1) and 15 for weekly oral pulse steroids (WOPS) (group 2). They were evaluated for bone mineral density (measured by DEXA) and suprarenal suppression (measured by serum cortisol level), morphological changes and blood sugar. Treatment was continued for 6 months to 3 years.
Results: Cushingoid features in group 1 were observed in 73%, yet they were not detectable in group 2. Disturbed blood sugar in group 1 was 33% and 0% in group 2. The serum cortisol level was lower in patients on ODS than those on WOPS. The effect of WOPS on bone mineral density was very limited in comparison with the ODS.
Conclusion: Weekly oral steroid pulse therapy induces no significant bone loss and no suprarenal suppression and can be an alternative option in the treatment of chronic disorders requiring long-term oral steroid therapy.