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Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis

Prepared by a working group in collaboration with
The Royal College of Physicians,
The Bone and Tooth Society of Great Britain, and
The National Osteoporosis Society

Glucocorticoids are widely used to treat a number of medical disorders. At any one time, approximately 1% of the adult population in the UK is taking oral glucocorticoids. Their administration has led to a significant increase in fracture risk of the hip and spine and also loss of bone mineral density.

Several important epidemiological and intervention studies have now been published which provide a substantial increase in the available data on glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. This evidence has been incorporated into these guidelines, which complement the 1999 Guidelines for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and the recent National Service Framework for Older People. An audit tool is being developed by the Clinical Effectiveness and Evaluation Unit of the Royal College of Physicians and will be available in 2003. These guidelines follow an evidence-based methodology, with stratification of evidence to provide an up-to-date appraisal of current knowledge presented in the context of the implications for clinical management.

A separate Concise Guide, incorporating an algorithm for management, and a laminated Patient Information sheet which gives a clear explanation of the links between glucocorticoids and osteoporosis are included with the full guidelines.

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (64 pages, 350k pdf)
Concise Guide (4 pages, 183k pdf)
Patient Information (2 pages, 96k pdf)

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This page last updated on April 10, 2003