Asthma drugs 'reduce bone mineral density'

Asthma drugs reduce bone mineral density, according to data presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Inhaled corticosteroids are widely prescribed to asthma sufferers as the drugs are very effective in controlling the disease. They are also preferred over oral doses as they have fewer side-effects compared to oral formulations which lead to reduced bone mass.

In a 1993 trial by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), it was found that inhaled corticosteroids were safe and effective for the long-term treatment of children with mild to moderate asthma.

A follow-up study to this was conducted by researchers from the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Centre, who analysed the effects of multiple short courses of oral steroids and long-term inhaled corticosteroids on bone mineral growth.

Results showed that "there was a significant dose-dependent decrease in bone mineral accretion from oral corticosteroid bursts in boys, but not girls", according to lead researcher Dr William Kelly.

He added that although the use of inhaled corticosteroid "has the potential for reducing bone mineral growth in male children progressing through puberty … this risk is likely to be outweighed by the ability to reduce the amount of oral corticosteroids used in these children".

Research funded by the Arthritis Research Campaign aims to find out how corticosteroids function at a cellular level to see if their use can be modified to work more efficiently with fewer side-effects.

"These drugs are commonly used for asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and many other conditions. Whilst powerful and effective, they are also beset with problems," commented a spokesman for the Arthritis Research Campaign.

"It is a fascinating idea that we might be able to refine them and improve their safety," he added.

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