Elevation of intact parathyroid hormone level is a risk factor for low bone mineral density in pretransplant patients with liver diseases

The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency and risk factors for low bone mineral density (BMD) among patients awaiting liver transplantation. BMD of the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN), measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometery (DEXA), were obtained in 64 pretransplant patients. We measured markers of bone metabolism including serum calcium, phosphorus, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH D), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), osteocalcin (OC), and urinary deoxypyridinoline/creatinine (DPD/Cr) ratio. Osteoporosis and osteopenia (low BMD) were observed in 36 patients (36/64, 56.2%), including 6 cases of osteoporosis (6/64, 9.3%) and 30 cases of osteopenia (30/64, 46.9%). Of all variables, cholestatic liver disease and elevated levels of iPTH were significantly associated with low BMD. Moreover, elevated iPTH level was identified as an independent risk factor for low BMD (P<.05, OR=1.017, 95% CI=1.001-1.032) by multivariate analysis. The median level of iPTH was increased to 55.6 pg/mL (range, 7.8-337 pg/mL) in the low BMD group, while the median level was 33 pg/mL (range, 3-162 pg/mL) in the normal BMD group (P<.05). This study revealed a high incidence of low BMD in the pretransplant patients with liver diseases. The elevated iPTH level was the predominant risk factor for low BMD. We suggest that both BMD and iPTH examinations be considered routine tests to identify the status of bone mass and bone metabolism among recipients prior to liver transplantation.     

Prevalence of osteoporosis, osteopenia, and vertebral fractures in long-term renal transplant recipients

BACKGROUND: Osteopenia and osteoporosis are frequent complications early after transplantation. Their long-term prevalences and associations with the risk of fractures are not well known. The objective of the present work was to determine the incidence of osteopenia and osteoporosis versus vertebral fractures in renal transplant recipients with stable graft function and with a follow-up of at least 10 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty renal transplant recipients, 24 men and 16 women, were included in the study. The mean age was 41.8 years and the follow-up was 130 +/- 14 months. Initial immunosuppression consisted of cyclosporine with or without an antiproliferative agent. Measurements of bone mass density (BMD) were performed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The assessment of vertebral fracture using conventional radiography was evaluated by semiquantitative criteria. RESULTS: Eleven patients (27.5%) displayed lumbar spine osteoporosis (T-score < -2.5); 21 (52.5%), osteopenia (T-score > -2.5 and < -1) and 8 (20.0%), normal BMD. However, BMD was better preserved at the femoral neck: 14 patients (35.0%) had normal BMD; 20 (50.0%) osteopenia, and 6 (15.0%), osteoporosis. When analyzed together, patients with osteoporosis or osteopenia showed worse graft function at 1 and 8 years compared with normal BMD patients (1.75 +/- 0.634 vs 1.32 +/- 0.33 mg/dL at 1 year; P < .014) and (1.7 +/- 0.4 vs 1.2 +/- 0.2 mg/dL at 5 years; P < .01) and a greater number were prescribed vitamin D (50% vs 23%). Mild vertebral fractures were observed in 60.0% patients with osteoporosis; 70% with osteopenia; and 43% with normal lumbar BMD. Peripheral fractures were more common in patients with osteoporosis (P = .053). CONCLUSIONS: Osteoporosis and osteopenia are common among long-term renal transplant recipients are associated with poorer graft function. Lumbar spine BMD osteoporosis is associated with peripheral fractures. However, mild vertebral deformities are not associated with the presence of osteopenia or osteoporosis.     

Osteoporosis and Crohn's disease

Osteoporosis and osteopenia have been reported frequently in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, most notably Crohn's disease. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of osteoporosis in patients with Crohn's disease. METHODS: Prospective study of 56 patients with Crohn's disease, 34 men and 22 women with a mean age of 32 +/- 10.4 years (18-54 years) and no history of disorders known to influence bone metabolism. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measurements of bone mineral density (BMD) were obtained at the femoral neck and lumbar spine. A multivariate model including those factors significantly associated with low BMD in the univariate analysis was used to identify independent risk factors. RESULTS: Osteoporosis was found in 35.7% and osteopenia in 23.2% of patients. Low BMD was significantly associated with low body mass index (BMI), colonic involvement, and glucocorticoid therapy. Low BMI was an independent risk factor for low BMD. Malnutrition with BMI < or =18 kg/m2 was noted in 21 patients, of whom 76.2% had low BMD values, as compared to 48.6% of the patients whose BMI was >18 kg/m2 (P = 0.03, odds ratio = 3.4). CONCLUSION: Among risk factors for bone loss in patients with Crohn's disease, malnutrition plays a prominent role that deserves attention when planning treatment programs.     

肝移植手术前后骨密度变化的临床研究

目的 通过双能X线吸收测量仪(DEXA)检测肝移植患者手术前骨密度变化特点，探讨与骨质疏松发生、发展的关系。方法 6例肝移植患者，平均年龄52y，其中重症肝功能衰竭患者3例。原发性肝细胞性肝癌3例。手术方式均为改良背驮式肝移植，术后患者均常规两联应用糖皮质激素及环孢素A抗排斥治疗。术后随访时阳16个月。DFXA仪测定患者左侧髋部骨密度(BMD），个体骨密度测定值以与正常成人骨密度峰值对照值的标准差。结果 手术前、手术后1个月及术后6个月的骨密度差异有非常显著性(P=0.002)。其中，3例肝功能衰竭患者的髋部骨密度从平均-2．7下降到3．1。而3例原发性肝癌患者的骨密度值平均-0．1下降到-1．2；术后6个月复查时发现，3例肝功能衰竭患者中有两例出现非外伤性脊柱压缩骨折。结论 肝移植患者术后骨质疏松症主要和原发病、长期卧床及手术后的免疫抑制有关；易并发骨质疏松性骨折，影响患者的生存质量。     

Primary biliary cirrhosis and osteoporosis: a case-control study

Osteoporosis is a common complication of chronic liver disease, from cholestatic disorders to autoimmune, alcoholic, and posthepatitic cirrhosis. Osteoporosis appears more striking in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) because the disease usually affects elderly women, who are naturally prone to osteoporosis. Our aims were (1) to compare the prevalence of osteoporosis (T-score <-2.5 SD) between PBC patients and a group of age-and sex-matched controls consisting of healthy subjects from the general population; and (2) to identify the main risk factors for the development of bone loss. Thirty-three women with PBC (mean age, 47.3 +/- 10.4 years) and 66 healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed at the lumbar spine by dual-photon X-ray absorptiometry. Bone metabolism was evaluated by measuring serum calcium corrected for serum albumin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH vit D), parathyroid hormone, and osteocalcin. Vertebral fractures were analyzed using vertebral fracture assessment (VFA). The mean T-score was lower in the PBC group compared to healthy controls, with a significant statistical difference (-2.39 +/- 0.93 and -1.47 +/- 0.99 in lumbar spine and total hip, respectively, in the PBC group versus -0.99 +/- 0.51 and -0.56 +/- 1.14 in healthy controls (P < 0.001). The prevalence of osteoporosis was 51.5% in the PBC group versus 22.7% in healthy controls with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.004). BMD of the PBC group was significantly correlated positively with body mass index (BMI) and 25-OH vit D, and negatively with menopausal status, duration of disease, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. Vertebral fractures were present in 9% of the patients. We found that osteoporosis is more prevalent in women with PBC than in the general population. BMI, menopausal status, duration of the disease, and vitamin D deficiency are the main risk factors for osteoporosis in this liver disease.     

Longitudinal Changes in BMD and Fracture Risk in Orthotopic Liver Transplant Recipients Not Using Bone‐Modifying Treatment

Osteoporosis is prevalent in end‐stage liver disease, but data on long‐term changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and related fracture incidence after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) are scarce. We evaluated BMD changes up to 5 years in consecutive recipients of a successful OLT at the Leiden University Medical Centre between 2000 and 2011, in whom sequential BMD data were available. Spinal radiographs were available at time of screening and at 6 and 12 months post‐OLT and were assessed for vertebral fractures by two independent observers using Genant's semiquantitative method. Patients were excluded from the study when started on bisphosphonates. A total of 201 patients (71% men), median age 53 years (range, 18–70 years) were included in the study. Most common liver pathology was viral (27%) or alcoholic liver disease (25%). All patients received prednisone for at least 6 months after transplantation and the majority received either tacrolimus or cyclosporine for immunosuppression. At time of screening for OLT, osteoporosis and osteopenia were found in 18% and 36% of patients at the lumbar spine (LS), respectively, and in 9% and 42% at the femoral neck (FN), respectively. T‐scores declined significantly at both sites 6 months after OLT, but increased thereafter at the LS, reaching pretransplantation values at 2 years and remaining stable thereafter. FN T‐scores remained consistently lower than pretransplantation values. The prevalence of vertebral fractures increased from 56% at screening to 71% at 1 year after OLT, with a fracture incidence of 34%. BMD changes did not predict fracture risk. Osteoporosis, osteopenia, and vertebral fractures are prevalent in patients with end‐stage liver disease. An overall decline in BMD is observed within the first 6 months after OLT, with subsequent recovery to pretransplantation values at the LS, but not at the FN. Vertebral fracture risk is high after OLT regardless of changes in BMD. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.     

Bone mineral density changes within 11 months of renal transplantation in Iranian patients

BACKGROUND AND AIM: We studied bone mineral density (BMD) changes in Iranian patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) within 11 months after renal transplantation. METHODS: Among 68 ESRD candidates for renal transplantation, the BMD at the femur and the spine were assessed using a DEXA Norland scanner. Linear regression analysis was used to identify risk factors associated with low bone density. RESULTS: Mean BMD, T-score and Z-score of femur and spine were significantly reduced (at femur, 0.78 +/- 0.14, -2.4 +/- 1.1, -1.6 +/- 1.0; at spine, 142.25 +/- 105, -1.09 +/- 1.1, -1.07 +/- 0.9). Osteoporosis and osteopenia were found 55.2% and 36.2% at the femur and 8.6% and 58.6% at the spine, respectively. The BMD showed a significant negative association with age (r=0.615), female gender (r=0.394), and corticosteroid intake (r=0.286), and a positive association with weight (r=0.394) and body mass index (r=0.626). There was no significant association between BMD measurements and calcium, phosphorous, or parathyroid hormone levels. At 11 months follow-up, in 20 patients, the subject had lost a mean of 2.4% T-score and 2.8% Z-score at spine (P=.027 and .13, respectively), but did not experience significant declines at the femur. BMD showed a decrease in 80% of recipients in the spine area; there was a 15% BMD increase at the hip. CONCLUSION: Low bone density is common among ESRD Iranian patients. Early screening and treatment of this group is recommended. Significant loss in lumbar density occurred within 11 months of transplantation in more than one third of a prospective cohort of renal transplant recipients.     

Osteoporosis Before Lung Transplantation: Association with Low Body Mass Index, but Not with Underlying Disease

Due to progress in lung transplantation, post-transplantation osteoporosis becomes an important problem. We determined bone mineral density (BMD) in 74 lung transplantation candidates, among them 24 patients with cysticfibrosis, 16 with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 14 with pulmonary fibrosis, and 11 with pulmonary hypertension. The mean T score (+/- SD) was -2.6 +/- 1.3 at femoral neck (FN), -2.2 +/- 1.6 at Ward's triangle (WT) and -2.3 +/- 1.5 at lumbar spine (LS). Osteoporosis was found in 61% of the patients at FN, 45% at WT and 50% at LS. Patients with different underlying lung diseases were similarly affected, not only those with cystic fibrosis but also others, including patients with pulmonary hypertension. No association was found between BMD and age, gender, menstrual condition in women and testosterone level in men. A negative correlation was found between chronic glucocorticoid use and T scores. Body mass index correlated positively (p < 0.01) with T scores at any site and the correlation was also significant for the 2 largest subgroups. Loss of lung function (FEV1) also was associated with lower T scores. No correlation was found between BMD and biochemical indices of bone turnover. Multivariate analysis revealed BMI and glucocorticoid use as independent risk factors. We conclude that osteoporosis is a very common condition in patients with end-stage pulmonary disease, independent of the underlying diagnosis. In view of additional bone loss under immunosuppressive treatment after lung transplantation, early diagnosis and prevention of osteoporosis in the pretransplant period should receive high priority.     

50例绝经后高疾病活动期的女性类风湿关节炎骨密度的临床观察

目的观察绝经后高疾病活动期的女性类风湿关节炎患者骨矿物质密度水平的变化。方法收集50例绝经后女性RA患者一般临床资料,包括年龄、RA病程、绝经年龄、ESR、CRP、RF、抗CCP抗体、DSA28评分及雌二醇水平,应用双能X线吸收法(DXA)测定50例患者腰椎L_(1-4)和左髋关节部位的骨密度,分析其骨密度(BMD)的情况。结果 1.50例绝经后女性RA的DSA28评分大于5.1,属高疾病活动期,骨质疏松组发生率52%;远高于骨量减少组(30%)及骨密度正常组(18%)。2.骨质疏松组的绝经年龄比非骨质疏松组明显提前(P=0.005),抗CCP抗体水平明显升高(P=0.037),有统计学意义,但在年龄、病程、RF、DSA28评分及雌激素方面两者无统计学差异。3.Logistic回归分析结果显示抗CCP抗体(OR值1.025,P=0.041)是绝经后高疾病活动女性RA骨质疏松的独立危险因素。4.骨质疏松组,腰椎总骨密度较髋关节显著降低(P0.001);腰椎组内比较以腰1椎体BMD最低,而后依次为腰2,腰3、腰4(P=0.0003),左髋关节组内比较以大转子BMD最低,而后依次为股骨颈、小转子(P0.0001)。结论绝经后高疾病活动期的女性RA患者存在明显的骨质疏松,以腰椎骨密度(特别L_1)下降最明显;抗CCP抗体可能是高疾病活动期的女性类RA患者发生骨质疏松的危险因素。     

Increase in Bone Mineral Density after Successful Parathyroidectomy for Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism after Renal Transplantation

BACKGROUND: Few studies have reported changes of bone mineral density (BMD) after parathyroidectomy in patients with persistent hyperparathyroidism after renal transplantation (3 HPT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 14 patients who underwent successful parathyroidectomy for 3 HPT and who had available BMD data before and after parathyroidectomy. RESULTS: Median follow-up time was 26 months (IQR: 16.8-40.2). Serum calcium levels decreased significantly after parathyroidectomy (2.32 +/- 0.09 versus 2.66 +/- 0.16 mmol/l; p < 0.01), as did PTH levels (5.1 +/- 3.0 versus 27.8 +/- 23.7 pmol/l; p < 0.01). Nine patients (64%) had a steroid-free immunosuppression at follow-up. Mean increase in BMD was 9.5 +/- 8.0% for the spine and 9.5 +/- 7.9% for the hip (p < 0.01 for both sites). Patients with osteoporosis (T-score 相似文献   

Treatment of established bone loss after renal transplantation with etidronate

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a well-documented complication of organ transplantation. Bisphosphonates have been shown to be effective in preventing corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis in renal transplant recipients, but data are lacking for treatment of established osteoporosis. This study reports our clinical experience of treatment with the bisphosphonate etidronate in a single renal transplant center. METHODS: To establish the effectiveness of etidronate in treating established low bone mineral density (BMD), all newly transplanted patients treated with etidronate were compared with controls. Twenty-five patients treated with etidronate (14 males, 11 females) and 24 controls (15 males, 9 females) were identified from the cohort of patients who underwent transplantation between January 1, 1994, and December 31, 1996. RESULTS: There was no difference in mean age, weight, or cumulative dose of corticosteroids between the treatment and control groups. The baseline BMD measurement was performed at 10.4 +/- 5.3 months after transplantation for treated patients and at 10.7 +/- 4.5 months for controls (P=0.78). Over the subsequent 1-year study period, patients treated with etidronate demonstrated a greater increase in BMD at sites with a preponderance of trabecular bone. Lumbar spine BMD increased 4.3 +/- 6.1% in the treatment group versus 0.55 +/ -5.3% in controls (P<0.03) and trochanter BMD increased 10.3 +/- 11.9% and 2.2 +/- 5.7%, respectively, in the treatment and control groups (P<0.02). CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes the effectiveness of etidronate for treatment of low BMD in renal transplant recipients. Patients selected for treatment had lower baseline BMD than control subjects, yet still showed a clinically important increase in BMD.     

Risk factors of bone density disorder and vascular calcification in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients

Objective To explore the risk factors of bone density disorder and vascular calcification in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Methods Clinical data of non-dialysis CKD patients who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University between January 2013 and June 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry to evaluate their bone mineral density (BMD) and T value. Patients were divided into normal BMD group (T≥-1), osteopenia group (-2.5＜T＜-1) and osteoporosis group (T≤-2.5). The vascular calcification was evaluated by pectoral computed tomography. Multi-factor stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to assess the risk factors for low bone density and vascular calcification in non-dialysis CKD patients. Results A total of 337 non-dialysis CKD patients were enrolled. There were 110 (32.6%) patients with normal BMD, and 146(43.3%) patients with osteopenia, and 81(24.0%) patients with osteoporosis. Gender, history of hypertension, 25-hydroxy vitamin D and N-terminal osteocalcin shown statistical differences among three groups (all P＜0.05). The incidence rate of 25-hydroxy vitamin D deficiency shown statistical difference among three groups (P=0.012). Further, the rates were increased with the decreased bone mass (χ2=7.100, P=0.008). The other mineral bone disorders, such as hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, low intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and high iPTH had no statistical difference among three groups (all P＞0.05). Multi-factor stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that increased iPTH (OR=1.938), and low bone density (OR=1.724) were independent risk factors for CKD patients with vascular calcification (all P＜0.05), while women (OR=3.312) and vascular calcification (OR=1.742) were independent risk factors for CKD patients with low bone density (all P＜0.05). Conclusion Increased iPTH and low bone density are independent risk factors for non-dialysis CKD patients with vascular calcification, while women and vascular calcification are independent risk factors for non-dialysis CKD patients with low bone density.     

Bone Disorders in Patients With Chronic Liver Disease Awaiting Liver Transplantation

Background

An important complication of chronic liver disease is osteodystrophy, which includes osteoporosis and the much rarer osteomalacia. Both conditions are associated with significant morbidity through fractures resulting in pain, deformity, and immobility. Liver transplantation may further deteriorate bone metabolism. The aim of the present study was to investigate the frequency and severity of hepatic osteodystrophy among patients with liver cirrhosis who were referred for liver transplantation. We also evaluated modifications in bone metabolism after liver transplantation.

Materials and methods

We recruited 35 consecutive patients with chronic liver disease who were undergoing assessment for transplantation over a 1-year period. Bone mass in the total skeleton and proximal hip was evaluated using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry device (Lunar Prodigy Advance, GE Healthcare, USA). According to World Health Organization recommendations, osteoporosis was defined as a T score < −2.5 and osteopenia as T score between −1 and −2.5.

Results

We enrolled in the study 35 patients, including 8 females and 27 males of overall mean age of 57 ± 7, who showed a viral etiology (57%) or alcohol etiology (28%), Child-Pugh 8.7 ± 2.3. The overall prevalence of osteodystrophy was 40% (26% osteopenia and 14% osteoporosis). No difference was evident according to gender, severity of liver disease (Child-Pugh, Model for End-stage Liver Disease), or origin of liver disease. A subgroup of 10 transplanted patients reached 3-month follow-up, showing total body T score with a significant decrease after 3 months while femoral T scores tended to decrease insignificantly.

Conclusions

This study revealed a high prevalence of low bone mineral density among cirrhotic patients before liver transplantation. We suggest that both bone mineral density and biochemical examinations should be considered to be routine tests to identify the status of bone mass and bone metabolism among recipients prior to liver transplantation.     

Bisphosphonates are effective prophylactic of early bone loss after renal transplantation

INTRODUCTION: Rapid bone loss and fractures occur early after solid organ transplantation. We examined the preliminary results of a prospective study evaluating the efficacy of prophylactic use of bisphosphonates in renal allograft recipients. METHODS: Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at the lumbar spine and the hip by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at 1, 6, 12 months. Alendronian or risedronian were initiated for patients with osteopenia or osteoporosis at 1 month who had no contraindications to bisphosphonates. The treatment lasted at least 6 months. Sixty-six patients were included in the study; 39 were treated with bisphosphonates (A), and 27 were drug-free (B). Presently, 24 group A and 13 group B patients have completed the 12-month observation period. RESULTS: In group A 53.8% (21) subjects had osteoporosis and 46.2% (18), osteopenia. Mean T-score L(2)-L(4) in group A at 1, 6, and 12 months were: (-)2.22 +/- 1.06; (-)2.07 +/- 1.25; (-)1.89 +/- 1.07, respectively. The T-score increase between 6 and 12 months was significant (P = 0.0014). The relative rise in BMD L(2)-L(4) between 1 and 12 months was 2.26%. In group B mean T-score L(2)-L(4) at 1, 6, and 12 months were: (-)0.26 +/- 1.34; (-)0.80 +/- 1.19; (-)1.2 +/- 1.59, respectively. The T-score decrease between 1 and 12 months in group B was significant (P = .0082). The 12-month relative decrease in femoral neck and trochanter BMD in group B was (-)2.1% and (-)2.75%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Bisphosphonates are effective for prophylaxis of rapid bone loss early after renal transplantation.     

Alendronate in combination with calcium and vitamin D prevents bone loss after orthotopic liver transplantation: a prospective single-center study.

Bone loss is a common complication in patients before and after liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of prophylactic treatment with bisphosphonates after LT in preventing progressive bone loss in LT patients. We included 136 patients with end-stage liver diseases awaiting LT. Bone mineral density (BMD) (by dual X-ray absorptiometry) and markers of bone metabolism were determined before, and 4, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months after LT. All patients received vitamin D and calcium supplementation before and after LT, those with osteopenia or osteoporosis prior to LT were additionally treated with alendronate following LT. Decreased BMD was seen in a high percentage of patients undergoing LT (osteopenia 48.5%, osteoporosis 23.5%). Reduced BMD before LT was not related to gender, underlying liver disease, or Child-Turcotte-Pugh classification. Body mass index (BMI) prior to LT, however, correlated significantly with the fracture risk. Alendronate prevented the ubiquitously observed bone loss after LT in patients with osteoporosis and osteopenia and, in addition, led to an increase in BMD in patients with osteoporosis within 24 months after LT. In conclusion, our study suggests that alendronate is efficacious in preventing the natural course of bone loss associated with LT.     

Long-term corticosteroid therapy induces mild changes in trabecular bone texture.

The relative roles of bone mineral density (BMD) decrease and of microarchitectural changes in corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis (CIOP) are debated. Our objective has been to evaluate both bone microarchitecture (by a fractal analysis of texture on radiographs) and BMD in corticosteroid (CS)-treated patients. In this study, 60 patients from a rheumatology unit with a mean age of 60.6+/-14.8 years taking CS therapy for more than 6 months and a cumulative dose of prednisone over 1 g and 57 controls among age-matched patients and hospital staff were recruited. Bone diseases and bone-modifying drugs (except calcium, vitamin D, and hormonal replacement therapy [HRT]) were considered as exclusion criteria. A fractal analysis of trabecular bone texture was performed on calcaneus radiographs after an oriented analysis in 18 directions. The fractal analysis was based on the fractional Brownian motion model. Results were expressed by H parameter (H = 2 - fractal dimension) in each direction, Hmean being the average of 18 directions, Hmini the minimum, and Hmaxi the maximum. BMD was measured by double-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) at the femoral neck (FN) and lumbar spine (LS). The odds ratios (OR) were calculated for a variation of 1 SD. The mean duration and dose of CS therapy was 5.6+/-6.6 years and 16.9+/-19.7 g. CS therapy was significantly correlated to a decrease in FN or LSBMD: OR = 1.95, 95% confidence interval (CI, 1.29-2.97) and OR = 3.19 (CI, 1.80-5.66), respectively. The Hmean and Hmaxi were significantly lower in the cases than in the controls: P = 0.03 and P = 0.02; OR = 1.67 (CI, 1.10-2.54) and OR = 1.75 (CI, 1.05-2.37). A similar trend was observed with Hmini but the difference did not reach the level of statistical significance: P = 0.06, OR = 1.57 (CI, 1.05-2.37). This study was repeated among cases and controls who had never taken HRT (respectively, n = 40 and n = 39). The results were similar. Among patients taking CS therapy, the presence of nontraumatic fractures was inversely related to BMD values but not to texture parameters. These data have shown that long-term CS therapy induces both BMD decrease and trabecular bone texture changes. The effect of CS therapy was much stronger on BMD than on the fractal H parameter. These results are in accordance with previous studies showing a lower effect of CS therapy on bone microarchitecture than on bone mass. These results can be contrasted with those observed in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis and vertebral crush fractures in which the variations in the fractal parameters are more significant than the BMD variations.     

Effects of a single infusion of pamidronate prior to liver transplantation: a bone histomorphometric study

Osteoporosis is a common and serious complication of solid organ transplantation. Effective therapeutic regimens have not been established but evidence that increased bone turnover is responsible for bone loss early after transplantation provides a rationale for the use of anti-resorptive agents in the peri-operative period. We have examined the effects of a single pre-operative infusion of pamidronate, 60 mg, on bone remodelling and turnover in a prospective study of 12 patients, four male and eight female aged 19-61 years, with chronic liver disease, who formed a subgroup of a larger randomised controlled single-blind study. Iliac-crest biopsies were obtained before and 3 months after liver transplantation and histomorphometry performed using image analysis. In untreated patients ( n=5) a significant increase in bone formation rate at tissue level was demonstrated at 3 months in comparison to pre-operative values (0.035+/-0.013 vs. 0.161+/-0.12 microm(2)/microm/day; mean +/- SD, P=0.003). In patients treated with pamidronate ( n=7) no significant increase in bone formation rate was demonstrated at 3 months, although there was a trend towards an increase in indices of bone turnover. In this group there was also a significant reduction in erosion cavity length (210.4+/-63.8 vs. 179.8+/-67.5 microm; P=0.03) and non-significant reductions in other indices of erosion cavity size. These results indicate that pre-operative administration of pamidronate in patients with chronic liver disease prevents, at least in part, the increase in bone turnover which occurs in untreated patients after transplantation.     

Assessing bone status in patients awaiting liver transplantation

Osteoporosis is common in liver transplant recipients as a result of both iatrogenic factors and preexisting hepatic osteodystrophy.

Objectives

To assess the prevalences of osteoporosis and fractures and to identify risk factors for these two abnormalities in patients awaiting liver transplantation for end-stage liver disease.

Methods

Between January 2006 and December 2007, patients on a liver transplant waiting list underwent a routine evaluation comprising the identification of risk factors for osteoporosis, radiographs of the spine, bone mineral density measurements (BMD), and laboratory tests (phosphate and calcium levels, hormone assays, liver function tests, and bone turnover markers).

Results

We studied 99 patients (70 males and 20 females; mean age, 55 ± 8 years) including 75% with alcohol-induced cirrhosis with or without hepatocarcinoma. Among them, 36% had radiographic vertebral fractures, 38% had osteoporosis, 35% had osteopenia, and 88% had vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency (25(OH)vitamin D3 < 20 ng/mL). Lower BMD values were associated with vertebral fractures; the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for each BMD decrease of 1 SD were as follows: spine, 1.45 (95%CI, 1.1–1.9); total hip, 2.1 (95%CI, 1.3–3.2); and femoral neck, 2 (95%CI, 1.3–3.1) (P < 0.05). Levels of bone resorption markers correlated negatively with BMD at the spine and hip. The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score correlated negatively with hip BMD.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest high prevalences of low BMD values and vertebral fractures among patients awaiting liver transplantation. Bone status should be evaluated routinely in candidates to liver transplantation.