[Secondary osteoporosis in patients with steroid-dependent asthma]

The aim of the trial was estimation of frequency and degree of osteoporosis in steroid-dependent asthma patients (48 persons: 18 men and 30 women). Control group created 36 healthy persons. Following measurements were done: quantitative computed tomography, radiological estimation of thoracic and lumbal spinal column and hands, in serum total alkaline phosphatase, calcium, phosphate, in urine excretion of calcium, phosphate and creatinine. Quantitative computer tomography revealed secondary osteoporosis in 40.5% asthma patients. These results were correlated with estimation of roentgenograms of thoracic and lumbal spinal column and metacarpal measurements and less well with total alkaline phosphatase. Time of duration of steroid therapy and time of asthma had influence on degree of osteoporosis. Moderate development of osteoporosis is probably the result of low dose of steroids.