RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH FRACTURE OF THE LUMBOSACRAL SPINE AND ITS COMPROMISE IN THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF...

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Orthopedics
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Chronic hepatic disease is linked to bone density loss, including osteoporosis, osteopenia, and osteomalacia.
• Patients with liver cirrhosis exhibit higher rates of osteoporosis and fragility fractures compared to the general population.
• Early diagnosis of bone conditions in cirrhosis patients can lead to timely interventions and improved outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of osteopenia or osteoporosis and fragility fractures in liver cirrhosis patients.
• To identify risk factors associated with these bone conditions.
• To assess the impact of bone fragility on the quality of life (QoL) in this patient group.

Main Methods:

• An observational, cross-sectional study involving 71 liver cirrhosis patients.
• Bone densitometry (DXA) of the lumbar spine and femoral neck, and lumbosacral spine X-rays were performed.
• Quality of life was assessed using the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ); Fracture Risk Assessment (FRAX) was calculated for patients over 50.

Main Results:

• A high prevalence of osteopenia or osteoporosis (62%) was diagnosed via DXA in the studied cirrhotic patients.
• Osteopenia/osteoporosis was significantly associated with lumbosacral spine fractures (P<0.001).
• Quality of life was intermediate, with no significant difference between patients with and without fractures.

Conclusions:

• Hepatic osteodystrophy is highly prevalent in liver cirrhosis patients.
• Osteopenia and/or osteoporosis are key factors associated with lumbosacral spine fractures in this population.
• Quality of life remains intermediate, unaffected by the presence or absence of fractures.