The effect of single doses of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate on the circadian rhythm in serum osteocalcin in normals

Abstract

The effect of single doses of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate on the circadian rhythm in serum osteocalcin in normals. Acta Endocrinol 1993;128:263-7. ISSN 0001-5598 A single dose of 2.5 mg prednisone leads to a significant transient decrease in serum osteocalcin, which is only demonstrated by frequent serum sampling. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether a single dose of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate causes transient changes in serum osteocalcin, indicating a systemic effect on bone cells. In a double-blind, placebo controlled, cross-over design we evaluated the effects of single doses of 250 \g=m\g and 1000 \g=m\g beclomethasone on the circadian rhythm in serum osteocalcin. Fifteen normal subjects aged 2 3-38 years were studied twice with an interval of one week with hourly blood sampling from 16.30 until 1 7.00 the following day; 1000 \g=m\g beclomethasone, but not 250 \g=m\g,suppressed serum cortisol by 14.4\m=+-\6.7%(p=0.03). Neither of the beclomethasone doses significantly altered the time pattern of serum osteocalcin. We conclude that a single inhaled dose of beclomethasone in the therapeutical range does not acutely influence osteoblastic activity as judged from serial measurements of serum osteocalcin.