Secondary osteoporosis: underlying disease and the risk for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

Background: Chronic diseases of many organ systems require long-term (>or=1 year) treatment with glucocorticoids. Owing to the catabolic activity of glucocorticoid therapy, osteoporosis is a potential complication.

Objectives: This review discusses glucocorticoid-induced bone loss and the factors, including underlying disease, that increase the risk for osteoporosis.