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Published on: August 2, 2022
Bone health in patients with brain tumors
Arnaldo Neves Da Silva1, Ailleen Heras-Herzig, David Schiff
1Neurology Department, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. arnaldo@virginia.edu
Background:
Several factors, including the use of antiepileptic drugs, glucocorticoids, anticoagulants, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hemiplegia-associated osteopenia, render patients with brain tumor susceptible to bone disease.
Methods:
The authors review the pathophysiology of these factors and their impact upon bone integrity.
Results:
Steps that can be taken to minimize or eliminate bone morbidity including measurement of bone mineral density at treatment onset, adequate calcium intake, vitamins D and K supplementation, adequate sunlight exposure, weight-bearing exercises, fall prevention, avoidance of antiepileptic drugs linked to osteopenia, and judicious use and choice of glucocorticoids and anticoagulants are suggested.
Conclusions:
Medical management of osteoporosis related to brain tumor treatment with bisphosphonates, teriparitide, and calcitonin is beneficial, as is kyphoplasty for symptomatic vertebral compression fractures.
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