Inhaled and oral corticosteroids: their effects on bone mineral density in older adults.

Use of oral and inhaled corticosteroids and bone mineral density were examined cross-sectionally in 1673 community-dwelling white subjects aged 56 to 91 years. Bone mineral densities at the ultradistal and midshaft radii, hip, and lumbar spine were compared in users of inhaled (n = 34) and oral (n = 44) corticosteroids and nonusers. Women who used oral corticosteroids had significantly lower bone mineral densities at the midshaft radius, hip, and spine than never users. Women who used inhaled corticosteroids had bone mineral densities at the ultradistal radius, hip, and spine that were intermediate between those of oral corticosteroid users and those of never users. Bone mineral density did not vary significantly according to corticosteroid use in men.