Bone mineral density assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in patients with viral or alcoholic compensated cirrhosis. A prospective study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Cirrhosis is considered as a risk factor for osteoporosis whose prevalence is poorly known. The aim was to assess prospectively bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with alcoholic or viral compensated cirrhosis.

METHODS

From 2006 to 2008, patients with viral or alcoholic compensated cirrhosis had BMD assessment by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The prevalence of osteopenia (-2.5SD <T-score<-1SD) and osteoporosis (T-score ≤-2.5SD), and the influence of age, gender and aetiology of cirrhosis were assessed using univariate and multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

One hundred and nine patients were studied (72 men, 55.3 ± 11.4 years and 37 women, 65.2 ± 11.0); with HBV (n=35), HCV (n=43), or alcoholic cirrhosis (n=31). At the lumbar spine, 25 patients had osteopenia and 12 had osteoporosis. At the femoral site, 23 had osteopenia and 4 had osteoporosis. Female gender had an independent decreased effect on the total BMD.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of osteoporosis was up to 11% at the lumbar spine, greater in women independently of age, without significant difference according to the aetiology of cirrhosis.