The International Tinnitus Journal

Impact of Intermittent Exposure Oral Corticosteroids on Fracture Risk In Iraq: A Case Control Study.

Summary: Oral corticosteroid are commonly prescribed medications known for their proven clinical advantages in treating individuals with chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including arthritis, and dermatological disorders. Objectives: Intermittent high daily doses of oral corticosteroids effect on the risk of fracture remains debated. As a result, our objective was to investigate the risk of fractures associated with intermittent doses of high dose corticosteroids taken orally. This study aimed to report about the relationship between such intermittent corticosteroid use and the risk of fractures. Methods: Our study involved a case-control investigation utilizing data from the Iraq Baghdad medical city, spanning from 2010 to 2022. In this study, patients above 18 years, who experienced a fracture (totaling 1245 cases). Controls, matched on a one-to-one basis, were individuals without a history of fractures. We calculated total cumulative dose (CD) among individuals who had used these medications intermittently. Adjusted odd ratio (OR) for the fracture risk connected to intermittent corticosteroid use, as compared to individuals who had never used them, were estimated using conditional logistic regression. Results: The study found that intermittent corticosteroids is independently related to an elevated risk of hip fractures, with an adj.OR of 1.87 (95% CI 1.43 to 2.44). Similarly, the risk of vertebral fractures associated with intermittent corticosteroid increased, with an adj.OR of 2.96 (95% CI 2.04 to 4.30). However, there was little to no significant association identified for forearm fractures. Conclusion: The use of intermittent corticosteroids showed higher risk for hip fracture. Patients on intermittent corticosteroid use are adviced to refer to patient counseling.