Yale Bulletin and Calendar

November 15-22, 1999

Volume 28, Number 13

Bone loss from steroid use is
easily preventable, says Insogna

Prevention of bone loss caused by steroid treatments for such diseases as asthma and arthritis was the topic of a conference held at the School of Medicine on Nov. 5.

Steroids, even in modest doses, cause loss of bone. The deterioration can be rapid and can lead to disabling, even life-threatening fractures. These powerful drugs are used to treat many inflammatory conditions such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. They are also used to treat organ transplant patients. Although steroids can save the lives of patients with these conditions, they are also capable of causing considerable damage throughout the body and particularly to the skeleton.

Steroid-induced bone disease is an important and increasing clinical problem, says Dr. Karl Insogna, associate professor of medicine and director of the Yale Bone Center.

"For too long, its presence has been overlooked, in part because little could be done to prevent it, but this is no longer the case," Insogna says. "Effective and relatively simple means now exist to diagnose, prevent and treat bone loss due to steroid use."

Insogna believes that physicians can do more to prevent and treat the condition. He developed the conference to educate health care providers about new methods for treating bone loss caused by steroids. The conference also featured presentations on bone loss in asthma and rheumatologic disorders, transplant-related bone loss and bone loss caused by osteoporosis.

T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S

Bulldogs gear up for 'The Game'

Donoghue, biodiversity expert, will join EEB

Study proves aspirin alone prevents future heart attacks

Academy of the Arts pays tribute to Stern

Environmental Law Institute lauds Speth

Yale moves forward with biomedical engineering program

Columbia's Chase named deputy dean of medical education

Endowed Professorships

Nobel Peace Prize winner to take part in discussion of East Timor

Veteran White House correspondent to give Poynter Lecture

Long history of legends surrounds 'The Game'

Yale, Harvard Glee Clubs mark century of making harmony on eve of 'The Game'

Study reveals why 'Lonesome George' snubs potential mates

Noted alumnus describes 'dramatic' changes in the world of sports

Architect Libeskind tells how he conveyed 'the real' and 'the invisible' in new . . .

Bone loss from steroid use is easily preventable, says Insogna

Medical school auction to benefit homelessness, hunger programs

People with OCD can find support in group therapy

Annual tour will showcase area hotel accommodations

Yale affiliates to present talks off campus

Event offers tips on how to have tough discussions

. . In the News . . .