Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026
07:27
The Murine Choline-Deficient, Ethionine-Supplemented (CDE) Diet Model of Chronic Liver Injury
Published on: October 21, 2017
Osteoporosis in liver cirrhosis
Cristina Cijevschi1, Catalina Mihai, Eusebiu Zbranca
1Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Bd. Independentei no.1, Iasi, Romania, and University College London, UK. cristinacijevschi@yahoo.com
Romanian Journal of Gastroenterology
|January 10, 2006
Summary
Osteoporosis and osteopenia affect 38% of liver cirrhosis patients. Key risk factors include low BMI, cholestasis, and advanced liver disease, necessitating early diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Endocrinology
- Bone Metabolism
Background:
- Osteoporosis is an underrecognized complication of liver cirrhosis (LC).
- Prevalence and risk factors for bone density loss in LC patients require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia in patients with liver cirrhosis.
- To identify significant risk factors associated with bone density reduction in this population.
Main Methods:
- A study of 150 patients with alcoholic or viral liver cirrhosis.
- Bone density was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
- Evaluated variables included BMI, disease etiology, cholestasis, and disease severity/duration.
Main Results:
- 38% of liver cirrhosis patients exhibited osteoporosis or osteopenia.
- Significant correlations found with low BMI (<20 kg/m2), cholestasis, Child class C, and disease duration (>10 years).
- No pathological fractures were observed during the study period.
Conclusions:
- Osteoporosis is highly prevalent in liver cirrhosis patients.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, particularly with risk factors like malnutrition, cholestasis, and severe/prolonged liver disease.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Cirrhosis I: Introduction
Cirrhosis is a chronic, irreversible liver disease characterized by the widespread replacement of healthy liver tissue with fibrotic scar tissue and the formation of regenerative nodules.Etiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis results from sustained liver injury that triggers progressive fibrosis and structural remodeling. The underlying causes are diverse, encompassing common and less frequent clinical conditions. Regardless of the origin, all causes lead to chronic inflammation, hepatocyte loss, and...
01:24Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology
Cirrhosis is a progressive chronic liver injury caused by prolonged inflammation, excessive fibrotic remodeling, and impaired regeneration. Over time, repeated hepatic insults disrupt the liver’s architecture and function, leading to reduced blood flow, impaired bile drainage, and diminished metabolic capacity.Pathophysiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis arises from three main responses to chronic liver damage: inflammation, immune activation, and hepatocyte death. These processes lead to structural...
01:26Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder
Liver and gallbladder diseases are a significant health concern, with prominent conditions including cirrhosis, hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and gallstones. Jaundice is a common manifestation of liver and biliary disease.
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...
01:22Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test
In clinical practice, the direct measurement of hepatic blood flow to evaluate liver function presents significant challenges due to the intricate and specialized nature of the necessary techniques. Consequently, healthcare professionals often rely on empirical estimates derived from thorough patient examinations and liver function tests to gauge liver health. Among the tools at their disposal, the Child–Pugh and MELD scoring systems stand out for their ability to categorize and assess the...
01:26Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow
Chronic liver disease significantly impacts drug metabolism due to alterations in hepatic blood flow and enzyme accessibility. This disruption affects the body's pharmacokinetics—the movement and processing of drugs within the system. Key enzymes crucial for metabolizing medications become less accessible, changing how drugs are processed and utilized. Furthermore, liver disease influences the synthesis of plasma proteins, such as albumin and globulins, which play critical roles in drug binding...
01:30Liver Physiology
The liver, an essential organ in the human body, performs over 200 vital functions that can be broadly categorized into metabolic, hematological, endocrine regulation, and bile production.
Metabolic Regulation:
The liver is the central organ involved in regulating blood composition. It stabilizes blood glucose levels, maintaining them within the range of 70–110 mg/dL. When these levels drop, the liver breaks down glycogen reserves and releases glucose into the bloodstream. It can also...
Metabolic Regulation:
The liver is the central organ involved in regulating blood composition. It stabilizes blood glucose levels, maintaining them within the range of 70–110 mg/dL. When these levels drop, the liver breaks down glycogen reserves and releases glucose into the bloodstream. It can also...