People with lung diseases such as asthma who receive oral corticosteroids are at increased risk of fractures and other side effects such as back pain and muscle weakness, British researchers report in the journal Chest.
L., Nottingham City Hospital. J. Dr. Walsh and colleagues noted that although the adverse effects of oral corticosteroids are widely understood, there is still little advice available to patients.
The researchers looked at 367 patients who took continuous or often intermittent oral corticosteroids to treat asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or alveolitis.
The cumulative incidence of fractures in patients diagnosed with lung disease was 23%. In addition, patients were 10 times more likely to suffer vertebral fractures, with odds ratios of 6:0 for hip fractures and 3:2 for rib fractures.
Patients taking the highest doses were most likely to develop these conditions. In addition, patients were significantly more likely to develop cataracts, back pain, taking antacids, and contusions.
Treatment to prevent osteoporosis can significantly reduce the incidence of fractures. Recognizing the dose-related adverse effects of these drugs will help prevent these effects and use these drugs appropriately.