COVID-19 illness and treatment decrease bone mineral density of surviving hospitalized patients

Area of Science:

• Medical research
• Bone health
• Infectious diseases

Background:

• The number of patients surviving COVID-19 hospitalization is increasing.
• Long-term effects of COVID-19, particularly on bone health, are not well understood.
• There is a need to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 illness and treatment on bone health in survivors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if COVID-19 illness and treatment adversely affect bone health in surviving patients.
• To assess changes in bone mineral density (BMD) from diagnosis to follow-up.
• To identify factors influencing BMD changes after COVID-19 hospitalization.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective assessment of bone mineral density (BMD) using quantitative CT on chest scans from hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
• BMD measurements were taken at diagnosis and follow-up visits (mean 81 days post-discharge).
• Analysis included the effect of COVID-19 severity and treatment-related factors on BMD.

Main Results:

• BMD decreased by a mean of 8.6% from diagnosis to follow-up, exceeding expected age-related loss.
• The osteoporosis ratio doubled after hospitalization due to significant bone loss.
• COVID-19 pneumonia severity and total steroid dose were predictive of BMD changes.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 hospitalization can lead to secondary osteoporosis.
• Close monitoring of bone health is recommended for COVID-19 survivors.
• Early prevention and treatment of osteoporosis complications are crucial for post-COVID-19 care.