RT Journal
A1 Liu RH, Albrecht J, Werth VP
T1 CRoss-sectional study of bisphosphonate use in dermatology patients receiving long-term oral corticosteroid therapy
JF Archives of Dermatology
JO Archives of Dermatology
YR 2006
FD January 1
VO 142
IS 1
SP 37
OP 41
DO 10.1001/archderm.142.1.37
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archderm.142.1.37
AB Objective 
    To examine whether patients had received bisphosphonates at the beginning of planned long-term glucocorticoid therapy, which is recommended by the guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology to prevent glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, prior to referral to a tertiary dermatology clinic.Design 
    Cross-sectional study.Setting 
    Tertiary referral center.Patients 
    We reviewed 35 patients from an established cohort of patients referred with chronic skin diseases that require prolonged glucocorticoid use.Main Outcome Measure 
    The use of osteoporosis prophylaxis was determined by medical chart review and communication with patients.Results 
    Of 35 patients, 28 (80%) were not receiving any bisphosphonates at referral. These patients began glucocorticoid therapy 17 months (median, 6 months; range, 1-102 months) prior to referral. The proportion of patients treated with bisphosphonates in our cohort did not change after the guidelines of the American College of Rheumatology were published.Conclusions 
    For patients of non–child-bearing potential with dermatological diseases in which prolonged oral corticosteroid treatment is anticipated, bisphosphonates should be prescribed concomitantly with the initiation of glucocorticoid therapy.