[Osteoporosis in glucocorticoid-treated asthmatic patients. Part I. Frequency and intensity of changes]

The purpose of this study was evaluation of the frequency and severity of osteoporosis in glucocorticoid-treated asthmatic patients. The examinations were performed in 82 patients aged 29-70 years, treated with different types of steroids for 1-25 years. In the analysed patients bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar spine, assessed by quantitative computer tomography (QCT) was measured, and prevalence of osteoporosis was evaluated on the basis of spine radiograms. The results of BMD measurements in glucocorticoid-treated postmenopausal women were additionally compared with a control group of 28 postmenopausal healthy women. The QCT examination revealed osteoporosis in 39% patients, while spine radiograms demonstrated it in 33% patients. The highest incidence of osteoporosis and the highest reduction of bone mass were found in postmenopausal glucocorticoid-treated women. The statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in the diagnosis of osteoporosis established by QCT or spinal radiograms, but the sensitivity of radiograms was found to be of limited value, particularly in patients with slight reduction of bone mass.