Corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis: an update for dermatologists

The effect of levetiracetam and oxcarbazepine monotherapy on thyroid hormones and bone metabolism in children with epilepsy: A prospective study

BACKGROUND

Long-term treatment with certain antiepileptic drugs may lead to thyroid function disturbances or alterations in bone metabolism; the data on the effects of new antiepileptic drugs on this are limited and conflicting, especially in children with epilepsy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of levetiracetam and oxcarbazepine on thyroid hormone levels and bone metabolism in children with epilepsy.

METHODS

A total of 51 children with new-onset partial epilepsy were selected. They were randomly treated with either levetiracetam (n = 25), or oxcarbazepine (n = 26) monotherapy. Eight of the 51 patients were excluded for failing to take the drug continuously or failing to undergo a regular review. Thus, 43 patients were finally included (levetiracetam: 23 patients, oxcarbazepine: 20 patients). A control group consisting of age- and sex-matched healthy subjects (n = 20) was included for comparison. Serum triiodothyronine, tetraiodothyronine, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, parathyroid hormone, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and bone mineral density values were measured before and at 6 and 12 months after therapy in all groups.

RESULTS

At baseline, thyroid hormone levels, bone metabolism index, and bone mineral density values did not differ between the control group and the drug-treated groups. Levetiracetam-treated patients showed no significant changes in thyroid hormone levels, bone metabolism, and bone mineral density during the 12-month follow-up period compared with baseline values. In the oxcarbazepine group, compared to baseline values, serum free thyroxine levels decreased after 12 months of treatment (Z = -3.115, p = 0.002), and after 6 and 12 months of treatment, calcium levels decreased (Z = -3.705, p < 0.001 and Z = -3.884, p < 0.001, respectively) and parathyroid hormone levels increased (Z = -3.698, p < 0.001 and Z = -3.921, p < 0.001, respectively); however, all other parameters did not differ from baseline values.

CONCLUSION

Our data show that levetiracetam treatment has no significant effect on thyroid function and bone metabolism in children with epilepsy. Long-term use of oxcarbazepine may reduce serum free thyroxine levels, resulting in impaired thyroid function, and may reduce serum calcium and increase parathyroid hormone levels, leading to bone metabolism disorders.

Adipogenesis inhibitory effects of Limonium tetragonum in mouse bone marrow stromal D1 cells

Unbalanced differentiation of bone marrow cells into adipocytes rather than osteoblasts causes severe bone-related disorders, such as osteoporosis. Natural products that can act against unbalanced differentiation are targeted for development of functional dietary supplements. Limonium tetragonum, a halophyte known for anti-oxidant constituents, was studied for beneficial effects in prevention of adipogenesis of bone marrow stromal D1 cells in vitro. Solvent-partitioned extract fractions of L. tetragonum prevented differentiating D1 cells from accumulating lipids. Expression of the key adipogenic markers PPARγ, SREBP1c, and C/EBPα were inhibited at mRNA and protein levels. Suppressed protein levels of the phosphorylated MAPK-related factors ERK, JNK, and p-38 indicated inhibition of PPARγ pathway-linked adipogenesis in D1 cells. The n-BuOH fraction was the most effective fraction for bioactive substances. L. tetragonum inhibited adipogenesis in D1 bone marrow stromal cells due to the presence of bioactive flavonoids.

Current Status of Research on Osteoporosis after Solid Organ Transplantation: Pathogenesis and Management

Improved survival following organ transplantation has brought to the forefront some long-term complications, among which osteoporosis and associated fractures are the major ones that adversely affect the quality of life in recipients. The pathogenesis of osteoporosis in transplant recipients is complex and multifactorial which may be related to increased bone resorption, decreased bone formation, or both. Studies have shown that the preexisting underlying metabolic bone disorders and the use of immunosuppressive agents are the major risk factors for osteoporosis and fractures after organ transplantation. And rapid bone loss usually occurs in the first 6–12 months with a significant increase in fracture risk. This paper will provide an updated review on the possible pathogenesis of posttransplant osteoporosis and fractures, the natural history, and the current prevention and treatment strategies concerning different types of organ transplantation.

Systemic glucocorticoids: important issues and practical guidelines for the dermatologist

BACKGROUND

The potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects of systemic glucocorticoids have led to their wide use in the treatment of dermatologic diseases. However, glucocorticoids have been designated the "archetypal double-edged sword of medicine" as a result of their various potential adverse side effects. Dermatologists face major challenges in their usage and require knowledge of both the risks related to their usage and strategies with which to manage them.

OBJECTIVES

This brief review includes an evidence-based, strategic approach to the general risk management of systemic glucocorticoids with a focus on preventing glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP).

METHODS

We assess which classes of corticosteroid are most likely to provoke allergic cross-reactions and outline the mechanism for glucocorticoid resistance. We examine how glucocorticoids both help and impair normal physiology.

RESULTS

Five reactivity groups are defined, based on the structural and clinical characteristics of glucocorticoids. Tests for allergy reactions and mechanisms for glucocorticoid resistance are described. Guidelines for the prevention and treatment of GIOP are introduced.

CONCLUSION

Glucocorticoids play an important teleologic role in maintaining blood glucose levels adequate for brain function by inducing a catabolic state through the production of carbohydrates at the expense of proteins and fat stores. It is hoped that the various recommendations for the protection of patients treated with systemic glucocorticoids will provide physicians with practical guidelines for prescribing.

Bisphosphonate therapy and osteonecrosis of the jaw complicated with a temporal abscess in an elderly woman with rheumatoid arthritis: a case report

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is an adverse drug reaction described as the progressive destruction and death of bone tissue of the mandible or maxilla, in the course of bisphosphonate therapy. Orally administered bisphosphonates, widely used for the treatment of osteoporosis, are rarely associated with BRONJ. Instead, the risk greatly increases whether the patient is concomitantly taking steroid and/or immunosuppressant agents. The aims of this paper are to briefly discuss the evidence of the associations between bisphosphonate therapy and BRONJ, and the effects of co-occurring factors such as the presence of rheumatoid arthritis, dental surgery, and concomitant corticosteroid therapy. In particular, we present the case of an elderly woman with BRONJ suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, with a recent dental extraction and with a very unusual complication: a temporal abscess, who was successfully treated.