What is a common effect of long-term corticosteroid use?

Long-term use of corticosteroids is associated with several significant health effects, one of the most common being osteoporosis. Corticosteroids can cause bone loss through a few mechanisms, including the reduction of bone formation and an increase in bone resorption. They inhibit osteoblast activity (the cells responsible for forming new bone) while also promoting the activity of osteoclasts (the cells responsible for breaking down bone). This imbalance can lead to a decrease in bone density and an increased risk of fractures over time.

In patients requiring long-term corticosteroid therapy, additional factors such as age, sex, and individual health status may further exacerbate the risk of developing osteoporosis. As a result, healthcare providers often implement preventive measures, such as recommending calcium and vitamin D supplementation, along with lifestyle modifications, to mitigate this risk during corticosteroid treatment. Understanding these risks helps in monitoring and managing the long-term effects of corticosteroid therapy effectively.