GLUCOCORTICOIDS IN CHRONIC DISEASE: THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE BONE.

Abstract

Despite the advent of more targeted therapies, glucocorticoids (steroids) remain in chronic use (defined as > 3 months or more) by an estimated 0.5% of the population. Steroids yield symptomatic benefits for systemic and local inflammation as well as disease-modifying properties in rheumatoid arthritis, the most common disorder for their chronic use. Despite their many benefits, steroids have been associated with a myriad of common side effects. Observational studies of steroid safety are limited by confounding by indication, and randomized controlled trials have been too short and too small to understand their true safety profile. Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) occurs in a time- and dose-dependent way and is associated with both a reduction in bone formation and an increase in bone resorption. Numerous anti-osteoporotic therapies have efficacy for improving bone health among chronic glucocorticoid users, but implementation science approaches are needed to achieve adequate GIOP prevention and to reduce fracture outcomes.