Paradoxically protective effect of glucocorticoids on bone mass and fragility fracture in a large cohort: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Glucocorticoids (GCs) increase the risk of fracture through reduction in BMD; they may also reduce bone quality, but recent supporting data are scarce. We aimed to confirm these effects in a large population-based cohort.

Methods

We used data from patients referred for first hip and lumbar spine BMD estimation by the sole DXA scanner in the north-west of England between June 2004 and September 2016. We compared the history of fractures and BMD between patients currently on GCs and patients never exposed to GC. A logistic model adjusted for possible confounders.

Results

More than 20 000 subjects were included, 82% female, with mean age 63 (s.d. 13) years; 19% were currently on GCs. The patients on GCs were more often male, with higher BMI, but their age was

SUBMITTER: Bukhari M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9073365 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature