Challenges in the diagnosis and management of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in younger and older adults

Abstract

Objective: Glucocorticoids constitute a considerable risk for developing osteoporosis in both younger and older adults. However, currently available bone imaging modalities and fracture-risk assessment tools do not adequately capture the dramatic changes in bone microarchitecture, heterogeneity of glucocorticoid exposure, the impact of chronic disease and other osteoporosis risk factors on the assessment of osteoporosis in these individuals. Design: A narrative review is presented, following a systematic search of the literature from 2000 to 2021. Results: Our current appreciation of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO) is focused on older populations, with limited evidence to guide the investigation, risk assessment and treatment in premenopausal women and men less than 50 years. The impact of the underlying chronic disease on secondary osteoporosis in these younger adults is also poorly understood. Conclusion: Through this narrative review, we provide a comprehensive overview of and recommendations for optimising the management of this common cause of secondary osteoporosis younger and older adults.