RESUMO
Osteoporosis is considered as a major outcome of corticosteroid administration. The evaluation of the degree of osteoporosis in patients on steroid therapy was examined by many studies. This work aimed at the assessment of bone turnover markers, as well as, quantitative computed tomography as measures for detection of osteoporosis in patients receiving corticosteroids. This has been achieved through the biochemical detection of bone turnover markers [total alkaline phosphatase [SAP], osteocalcin [OC], urinary excretion of hydroxyproline/creatinine [OHPr/Cr]] and QCT scanning of L[2]-L[4] Vertebrae. Our results demonstrated that 60% of patients on steroids had complaints related to osteoporosis. Concerning the biochemical parameters of bone turnover SAP tended to be higher in patients than in control. Also, OC is significantly reduced [P