New perspectives in the prevention and treatment of glucocorticoid-inducedosteoporosis

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis represents an important proportion of t he so-called secondary osteoporoses. The pathogenetic bases of this disorde r have been uncovered, making possible a rational approach to the preventio n and therapy of bone complications in various types of patients undergoing corticoid treatment. Apart from the universally accepted interventions (i. e., calcium, vitamin D, bisphosphonates, etc.), a number of new, potentiall y useful drugs are under investigation. In this chapter we will review our accumulated knowledge of these compounds , which should certainly contribute to enlarge the armamentarium of the phy sician who is going to treat patients with glucocorticoids.