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Published on: September 12, 2016
Immunomodulators for multiple sclerosis may ameliorate spinal bone loss
M J McKenna1, B Murray, R Lonergan
1DXA Unit, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, 4, Ireland. mjmckenn@iol.ie
Background:
The effect of immunomodulator therapy (IMT) for multiple sclerosis (MS) on bone turnover is unknown.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to assess bone turnover in MS patients on IMT.
Methods:
MS patients (n = 29) on maintenance IMT had repeat measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) after a 4.0 ± 0.4 years; bone turnover markers (BTM) were measured at the time of repeat BMD.
Results:
BMD was unchanged at the spine but declined at the hip. BTMs, both resorption and formation, were reduced compared to normative range that may indicate an anti-resorptive action of IMT. Significant negative correlations were noted between BTMs and changes in BMD at spine but not hip.
Conclusion:
These observations suggest that IMT may have a beneficial effect on spinal bone by an antiresorptive action. A prospective study of the effect of IMT on BMD and bone turnover is warranted.
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