Association between osteoporosis and hepatitis B cirrhosis: a case-control study

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Endocrinology
• Bone Metabolism

Background:

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related cirrhosis is linked to reduced bone mineral density (BMD), but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
• Osteoporosis is a growing concern in patients with chronic liver disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of osteoporosis in patients with HBV-associated cirrhosis.
• To investigate the mechanisms contributing to decreased BMD in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cohort study involving 80 hospitalized patients with HBV-associated cirrhosis and 80 healthy controls.
• Measurement of serum markers including osteocalcin, procollagen type 1, β-C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX), and 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) in the cirrhosis group.

Main Results:

• Patients with HBV-associated cirrhosis exhibited significantly lower BMD at the lumbar spine and hip joints compared to controls.
• The incidence of osteoporosis was markedly higher in the cirrhosis group (P<0.001).
• Severe cirrhosis (Child-Pugh grade C) was associated with decreased lumbar spine BMD and 25(OH)D3 levels, alongside elevated β-CTX, indicating increased bone resorption.

Conclusions:

• Increased bone resorption is a key factor contributing to the elevated risk of osteoporosis in severe HBV-associated cirrhosis.
• HBV-associated cirrhosis is confirmed as an independent risk factor for osteoporosis.