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Osteocyte viability with glucocorticoid treatment: relation to histomorphometry
  1. P N Sambrook1,
  2. D R Hughes2,
  3. A E Nelson3,
  4. B G Robinson3,
  5. R S Mason4
  1. 1Institute of Bone and Joint Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, Australia
  2. 2Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Concord Hospital, Australia
  3. 3Department of Cancer Genetics, Kolling Institute for Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital and Department of Physiology, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Sydney, Australia
  4. 4Department of Physiology and Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Sydney, Australia
  1. Correspondence to:
    Professor P N Sambrook
    Sydney University, Royal North Shore Hospital St Leonards Sydney, Australia 2065; sambrookmed.usyd.edu.au

Abstract

Background: Glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis is a common clinical problem.

Objective: To determine the pathophysiology of glucocorticoid induced osteoarthritis at the organ level.

Methods: Iliac crest biopsy specimens were obtained from nine patients receiving prednisone treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Osteocyte viability and histomorphometric indices were assessed.

Results: Compared with controls, glucocorticoid treated subjects had reduced trabecular thickness and increased erosion. The number of viable osteocytes was significantly decreased in glucocorticoid treated patients compared with controls.

Conclusion: The impaired bone formation, increased erosion and, importantly, loss of viable osteocytes are all likely to contribute to the increased risk of fracture in these patients.

  • glucocorticoids
  • histomorphometry
  • osteocytes

https://doi.org/10.1136/ard.2003.008839

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