EFFECT ON BONE-GROWTH OF DAILY VERSUS ALTERNATE-DAY CORTICOSTEROID ADMINISTRATION - EXPERIMENTAL-STUDY

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 89  (1) , 120-130
Abstract
Young rabbits that received large doses of [antiinflammatory, antiallergic] corticosteroids on an alternate-day basis grew normally and showed muscle and bone turnover patterns indistinguishable from those of untreated animals. In contrast, the daily administration of corticosteroids profoundly affected the skeletal system: growth ceased, and there were marked narrowing and premature closure of the epiphyseal plates. Osteoporotic changes were present at 1 wk and progressed during the next 9 wk. Muscle atrophy occurred early in the course of treatment and was associated with increased muscle fat deposition. In this study, alternate-day administration of corticosteroids clearly lessened the corticosteroid side effects of growth retardation, osteoporosis, and muscle wasting. [Human therapy is discussed.].

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