Prednisone, a glucocorticoid medication, is widely used for many pediatric disorders. Studies have shown that this drug decreases bone formation, decreasing bone density and bone thickness in children. Prednisone induced osteopenia, or low bone density, can be worsened by the effects of the underlying disease, such as delayed growth and maturation, malnutrition, and increased bone resorption (removal) by inflammatory compounds. The combined effects of decreased bone formation and increased resorption may be particularly detrimental to the growing skeleton.