[Active vitamin D3 therapy for gulucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis]

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO) is the most common secondary cause of osteoporosis. The use of glucocorticoid (GC) is associated with an increase in bone loss, especially at vertebral spine, and risk of fracture. Active vitamin D(3) (VD(3)) is expected to preserve bone mineral density at vertebral spine, however it is inferior to bisphosphonates (BP) with respect to preventing incidental vertebral fractures. In the guidelines on the management and treatment of GIO in Japan, VD(3) is recommended as the second-lined drug for GIO. The combination of VD(3) and BP is thought to be a beneficial therapy in prevention and or treatment of GIO.