Beneath the Surface: Exploring Hidden Threats of Long-Term Corticosteroid Therapy to Bone Density

Cureus. 2024 Feb 27;16(2):e55109. doi: 10.7759/cureus.55109. eCollection 2024 Feb.

Abstract

Within the field of medical treatments, corticosteroids are potent substances that efficiently reduce inflammation and immunological responses, making them essential for the management of a wide range of medical ailments. However, continued use of these synthetic drugs presents a serious risk: the onset of osteoporosis brought on by corticosteroids. Determining the complex pathways by which corticosteroids cause a general disturbance in bone metabolism, suppress osteoblast function, increase osteoclast activity, and upset the delicate balance of bone remodelling emphasizes the need for all-encompassing management and prevention approaches. In this review, we aim to expose the complexities of corticosteroid-induced bone loss and urge for personalized, proactive measures to improve long-term therapeutic outcomes.

Keywords: bone density; bone loss; bone mineral density; corticosteroid; corticosteroid use.

Publication types

  • Review