Microcrystalline hydroxyapatite compound in prevention of bone loss in corticosteroid-treated patients with chronic active hepatitis.

To determine whether microcrystalline hydroxyapatite compound (MCHC) could reduce bone loss or its consequences in patients with chronic active hepatitis (CAH) on corticosteroid therapy, a controlled trial was conducted in 36 such patients over a period of 2 years. Both skeletal symptoms (back pain) and fractures were uncommon during the trial period but both showed non-significant differences in favour of the MCHC group and biochemical investigations were suggestive of a reduction in parathyroid over-activity. Continued reduction in bone mineral content of the radius (photon absorptiometry) was halted in those receiving MCHC and iliac crest bone biopsy showed a non-significant increase in trabecular bone volume. The fall in iliac crest cortical plate thickness was significantly less (P less than 0.025) in the MCHC group and the results overall were consistent with a beneficial effect from MCHC in corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis.