One of the major drawbacks of
glucocorticoids long-term
therapy is the occurrence of a severe
osteoporosis characterized by fractures occurring at different sites, mainly at the level of trabecular bone. One of the major determinants of
glucocorticoid-induced
osteoporosis is a decrease in the intestinal absorption of
calcium (Ca) leading to a
secondary hyperparathyroidism. D-
hormones have been shown to significantly improve Ca absorption in the gut and subsequently to decrease
parathyroid hormone circulating levels, hence normalizing bone turnover. In a recent study evaluating 145 patients suffering from diseases requiring long-term treatment with high doses of
corticosteroids, we have demonstrated a significant benefit of
alphacalcidol (1 microg/day) over placebo in terms of changes in bone mineral density of the lumbar spine. These results are in accordance with studies showing better prevention of bone loss and vertebral fractures in cardiac transplant patients treated with
alphacalcidol than those treated with
etidronate. There is now a convergent body of evidence to suggest that
alphacalcidol is a reasonable, safe, and effective option for the prevention of
glucocorticoid-induced
osteoporosis, provided that serum Ca is monitored on a regular basis.