Objective: To investigate the relationship between avascular osteonecrosis (AVN) and corticosteroid treatment given to patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
Methods: Longitudinal study of 71 former SARS patients (mainly health care workers) who had been treated with corticosteroids, with an observation time of 36 months. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) and X-rays of hips, knees, shoulders, ankles and wrists were taken as part of the post-SARS follow-up assessments.
Results: Thirty-nine per cent developed AVN of the hips within 3-4 months after starting treatment. Two more cases of hip necrosis were seen after 1 year and another 11 cases of AVN were diagnosed after 3 years, one with hip necrosis and 10 with necrosis in other joints. In total, 58% of the cohort had developed AVN after 3 years of observation. The sole factor explaining AVN in the hip was the total dose of corticosteroids received.
Conclusion: The use of corticosteroids in SARS has been debated; opinions conflict about whether the immediate benefits in terms of saving lives compensate for the adverse effects, including AVN.