On the interrelationship between serum parathormone levels and osteoporosis in old humans

Seventy-eight persons (51 females, 29 males) of an average age of slightly higher than 65 yr were studied, suffering mostly from cardiovascular diseases or various degrees of osteo-arthropathies. The so-called compacta index was calculated from the values of the external and internal diameters measured radiologically in the central region of the left-hand second metacarpus. Serum parathormone levels were assayed by radioimmunological methods. Furthermore, a series of other parameters regarding the composition of the serum have been recorded. Statistical analysis of the data obtained revealed no correlation between the serum parathormone level and the compacta index actually found in the patients. Therefore, one can conclude that the senile bone-loss has no common aetiopathogenetic basis with the uraemic osteodystrophies or all other forms of increased parathormone production. The serum levels of parathormone did not increase with aging; on the contrary, as it is known for other hormones, they display a decreasing tendency. However, this decrease proved to be statistically insignificant. Otherwise, the age- and sex-related alterations of the bone mass observed in the patients studies agree with the general knowledge.