[Transitory bone loss during substitution treatment for hypothyroidism. Results of a two year prospective study]

The authors report the results of a prospective study designed to assess changes in vertebral and femoral bone density during the first two years of replacement therapy in 10 patients with hypothyroidism (4 men, 6 women). During the first year, bone density measured by dual photon absorptiometry fell significantly in the lumbar vertebrae (-5.4%), neck of the femur (-7%) and the trochanteric region (-7.3%). This bone loss was accompanied by an early increase in serum osteocalcin levels, urinary calcium/urinary creatinine ratio and in Sex Hormone Binding Globulin. During the second year, there was complete recovery of values of vertebral and trochanteric bone density, while density of the neck of the femur remained significantly lower than initial values. None of the patients showed any evidence of overdose during the period of monitoring of clinical and laboratory (free T4, total and free T3, ultra-sensitive TSH) parameters. This transitory bone loss could be indicative of a state of tissue hyperthyroidism and/or "hypersensitivity" of hypothyroid bone to the action of thyroid hormones. Its influence on the subsequent risk of fracture remains unclear. In the current state of knowledge, measurement of vertebral and femoral bone density appears to be indicated in patients given long term treatment which suppresses TSH, or requiring replacement therapy for severe hypothyroidism. Any demineralisation prior to treatment could justify the temporary prescription of an antiosteoclastic agent.