Rheumatic diseases, glucocorticoid treatment and bone mass: Recent developments

Recent research has made striking advances, adding to our understanding of the aethiopathogenesis of several forms of secondary osteoporosis, includin g those associated with rheumatic diseases and glucocorticoid treatment. Fu rthermore in the last 3 years new drugs have been shown to prevent glucocor ticoid-induced bone loss. Guidelines that are suitable for clinical practic e have been published. Knowledge of those new opportunities and strategies, which are briefly reviewed in this article, will reduce the risk of osteop orotic fractures in rheumatic and non-rheumatic patients.