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

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, Mayo Hospital, 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 anyform. 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 intakeranged from 2 monthsto 36 months.Thehighest 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 patientsand -2.08 in males. Thescore was -1.74 in the control group. Conclusion All patients requiring long-term glucocorticoid therapy are candidates for osteoporosis prevention.