[Osteoporosis during pregnancy and lactation. Report of eight cases]

Both generalized and regional osteoporosis exceptionally occur during pregnancy and lactation. The aim of this paper is to show our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. From 1984 to 2004 six lactating women with osteoporosis and two with regional osteoporosis consulted us. In the former group, three patients had vertebral fractures and the others experienced substantial demineralization detected by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). In all cases, symptoms began during the third trimester of pregnancy or immediately after delivery. Five of them were primiparous and one was multiparous with a long period of lactation. Risk factors were: low calcium intake, low weight, family history of osteoporosis, amenorrhea, cigarette consumption and corticosteroid therapy. Laboratory tests evidenced increased bone turnover. DXA scan showed substantial demineralization, particularly in axial skeleton. Lactation was interrupted in all women and four received anti-resorptive drugs, one estrogen and only calcium plus vitamin D the remaining. All of them, but one, evolved successfully. The women affected by regional osteoporosis complained of unilateral pain and progressive functional limitation of right foot and left hip respectively. Reduced bone mineral density at symptomatic sites was seen by DXA. Diagnosis was confirmed by typical magnetic resonance imaging pattern. Both patients cured with rest and bisphosfonates treatment.