[Corticosteroid osteoporosis (author's transl)]

Otseoporosis is a common and sometimes severe complication of all prolonged corticosteroid therapy. After reviewing the clinical, radiological, histological and biological features, the authors discuss the various physiopathogenic mechanisms: anti-anabolic effect of corticosteroids and decreased bone formation, and hyperparathyroidism secondary to the calcium deficiency induced by corticosteroids (fall in intestinal calcium absorption). Treatment should be preventive, based upon great car in the prescription of corticosteroids (absolute indication, minimal effective dose, alternate administration in certain cases) and upon improved calcium balance (calcium, vitamin D or its derivatives).