Guidelines for the prevention and therapy of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis

Aim To review the literature and provide guidelines for the prevention and trea tment of glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis. Methods Review of all randomized controlled trials studying prevention or treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Results There is ample evidence in the literature demonstrating that use of supraph ysiologic doses of glucocorticoids can lead to significant amounts of bone loss as early as the first 3 to 6 months of use, with devastating consequen ces. While our understanding of the mechanisms leading to glucocorticoid-in duced bone loss is limited, effective therapy for prevention and management is available. Conclusion Current data show that bisphosphonate therapy is the treatment of choice fo r the prevention and management of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.