Bone mineral density in patients with pemphigus vulgaris on long-term steroid therapy

Authors

  • Zahida Rani
  • Mohammad Saleem Khan
  • Abdul Hameed
  • Ijaz Hussain
  • Atif Hasnain Kazmi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66344/jpad.16.1.2006.839

Keywords:

Bone mineral density, steroid therapy, pemphigus vulgaris

Abstract

Background Osteoporosis is a common side-effect seen with long term steroid therapy. Patients at increased risk are over 50 years of age, postmenopausal, or have restricted mobility. Objectives To assess the bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with pemphigus vulgaris (PV) on long term steroid therapy. Patients and methods All patients with pemphigus vulgaris on oral/parenteral steroid therapy at the Department of Dermatology, Unit I,MayoHospital,Lahore were enrolled. Their BMD was measured at the heel with a quantitative ultrasound device. A control group comprising of 20 patients was also taken within the same time period that suffered from skin diseases other than pemphigus vulgaris and were not taking steroids in any form. Results There were 25 patients, 14 males and 11 females, with an average age of 33.8 years (range 12-60 years). The average duration of PV was 24 months (6 months to 12 years). The steroids used by these patients included prednisolone, betamethasone and dexamethasone. The duration of intake ranged from 2 months to 36 months. The highest dose was 120 mg and lowest was 10 mg. The mean BMD score of the patients was 0.39244 g/cm2 and 0.45773 g/cm2 for the control group. The mean T-score of the patients was -2.31, score was -2.61in female patients and -2.08 in males. The score was -1.74 in the control group. Conclusion All patients requiring long-term glucocorticoid therapy are candidates for osteoporosis prevention. 

References

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Williams LC, Nesbitt LT Jr. Update on systemic glucocorticoids in dermatology. Dermatol Clin 2001; 19: 63-77.

American College of Rheumatology Task Force on Osteoporosis Guidelines. Recommendations for the prevention and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Arthritis and Rheumatology 1996; 36: 1791-1801.

Lester RS, Knowles SR, Shear NH. The risks of systemic corticosteroid use. Dermatol Clin 1998; 16: 277-87.

Adachi JD. Corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis. Int J Fertil Womens Med 2001; 46: 190-205.

Harman KE, Albert S, Black MM. Guidelines for the management of pemphigus vulgaris. Br J Dermatol 2003; 149: 926-37.

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Published

2017-01-03

How to Cite

1.
Rani Z, Khan MS, Hameed A, Hussain I, Kazmi AH. Bone mineral density in patients with pemphigus vulgaris on long-term steroid therapy. J Pak Assoc Dermatol [Internet]. 2017Jan.3 [cited 2026Apr.22];16(1):10-3. Available from: https://www.jpad.com.pk/index.php/jpad/article/view/839

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 1 (2006): January - March

Section

Original Articles

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