Moderate COVID-19 Disease Is Associated With Reduced Bone Turnover

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Orthopedics
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infection is linked to musculoskeletal issues, including diminished bone health.
• Previous findings indicate reduced bone formation in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether bone metabolism is coupled or uncoupled in COVID-19 patients with moderately severe disease.
• To assess specific bone turnover markers in hospitalized COVID-19 patients compared to controls.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving hospitalized COVID-19 patients and age/sex-matched non-infected controls.
• Measurement of serum levels of C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen, osteocalcin, sclerostin, dickkopf-1, and other biochemical markers.
• Analysis of bone metabolism markers at hospital admission for COVID-19 patients.

Main Results:

• COVID-19 patients exhibited significantly lower levels of C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen and osteocalcin compared to controls.
• Serum levels of sclerostin and dickkopf-1 were significantly elevated in COVID-19 patients.
• Bone metabolism markers indicated altered but coupled bone metabolism in moderately severe COVID-19.

Conclusions:

• Bone metabolism is affected but remains coupled in patients with moderately severe COVID-19.
• Evaluation of bone turnover markers and fracture risk is crucial for COVID-19 patients during the post-infection period.
• Further research may elucidate the long-term skeletal consequences of SARS-CoV2 infection.