Cumulative Corticosteroid Doses and Osteoporosis in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

doi: 10.5152/tjr.2010.27 Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and corticosteroids used for the treatment of attacks are known to cause osteoporosis. Although osteoporosis is a known potential complication, many patients do not receive treatment to prevent bone loss. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between cumulative doses of corticosteroids and bone mineral density (BMD) in MS patients. Materials and Methods: Twenty-two patients with MS (15 women, 7 men) and 22 age- and sex-matched subjects were enrolled into the study. Lumbar and femoral BMDs were measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Mobility and ambulation scales were also evaluated. Corticosteroid use was determined from an interviewer-administered questionnaire and patien