Related Experiment Videos
Risk factors for bone loss in chronic active hepatitis and primary biliary cirrhosis
R Olsson1, C Johansson, G Lindstedt
1Dept. of Internal Medicine, Sahlgrenska Hospital, Sweden.
Insights
Bone loss in chronic active hepatitis (CAH) is linked to steroid use and later menarche. In primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), bone density correlates with gastrin levels, suggesting calcitonin may play a role.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Endocrinology
- Bone Metabolism
Background:
- Limited data exists on risk factors for bone loss in chronic active hepatitis (CAH) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC).
- Existing data on bone loss in these conditions is often conflicting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate risk factors for bone loss in patients with CAH and PBC.
- To measure bone mineral density (BMD) in these patient groups.
Main Methods:
- Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using single-photon absorptiometry in 39 CAH and 32 PBC patients.
- Questionnaires and biochemical analyses were used to identify risk factors for bone loss.
Main Results:
- In CAH patients, BMD showed an inverse relationship with steroid treatment duration and age at menarche.
- In PBC patients, BMD strongly correlated with serum gastrin concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Steroid treatment and delayed menarche contribute to bone loss in CAH.
- Increased calcitonin secretion, potentially induced by gastrocalcin, may reduce bone loss in PBC.
Background:
Data on risk factors for bone loss in chronic active hepatitis (CAH) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) are scanty and/or conflicting.
Methods:
Bone mineral density (BMD) in the distal forearm was measured using single-photon absorptiometry in 39 patients with CAH and 32 patients with PBC. We also attempted to identify risk factors for bone loss by means of a questionnaire and through a wide range of biochemical analyses.
Results:
In the CAH patients BMD is inversely related to the duration of steroid treatment and to age at menarche. In the PBC patients there was a strong correlation between BMD and serum gastrin concentrations.
Conclusions:
Bone loss in CAH is to some extent explained by steroid treatment and delayed menarche. Bone loss in PBC may be reduced by increased calcitonin secretion induced by gastrocalcin.