Biochemical markers of bone turnover and bone mineral density in patients with beta-thalassaemia major

In this study, bone formation markers (bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin) and bone resorption markers (pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline) were analysed. Bone formation, as evidenced by the levels of serum alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin, did not appear to be impaired, while bone resorption was grossly increased in all patient groups. The decrease of bone mineral density values was more prominent in the lumbar spine, thus making this site particularly interesting for such studies. The patients had significantly lower femoral neck and lumbar spine bone mineral density when compared with control (all p <0.001). Our conclusion is that, in spite of the severe bone destruction that occurs in thalassaemia major, the fact that bone formation remains intact calls for a more intensive treatment.