The treatment of steroid-induced bone loss in transplantation.

Osteopenia after transplantation is a significant cause of morbidity. Despite the lack of randomized, placebo-controlled trials in renal transplantation, there is literature supporting both the prevention and treatment of existing corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis with antiresorptive agents, such as calcitonin and bisphosphonates. The newer pharmacologic agents, nasal spray calcitonin and alendronate, have shown promising results in postmenopausal osteoporosis, and their ease of administration and low incidence of side effects make them ideal for renal transplant patients.