Transplantation osteoporosis and corticosteroid-Induced osteoporosis in autoimmune diseases: experience with alfacalcidol

Journal/Book: Z Rheumatol 2000; 59: I/53-57. 2000;

Abstract: Prof. Dr. J. Dequeker - J. Nijs - H. Borghs Arthritis and Metabolic Bone Disease Research Unit University Hospitals K.U. Leuven Pellenberg Belgium J. Van Cleemput Department of Cardiology University Hospitals K.U. Leuven Belgium E Nevens Department of Hepatology University Hospitals K.U. Leuven Belgium G. Verleden Department of Pneumology University Hospitals K.U. Leuven Belgium Summary The effect of alfacalcidol therapy on bone mineral density at the spine and proximal femur was evaluated in 112 transplant recipients (59 heart 26 liver and 27 lung); 45 transplant cases served as controls (included in a randomised way in a placebo group) and in 42 rheumatoid arthritis cases. Liver and lung transplantation cases had before transplantation a lower bone density at the spine and femur compared to heart transplant cases. Heart transplant cases lost considerably more bone immediately after transplantation than liver and lung transplant recipients. A positive effect of 2 years alfacalcidol treatment (0.5-1 µg/day) on bone loss was observed in all treated groups. Alfacalcidol was particularly effective against trabecular bone loss at the spine in rheumatoid arthritis patients and transplant recipients. There is a manifest difference in evolution between organ transplant groups and bone sites measured. Liver and lung transplant recipients respond better to therapy than cardiac recipients. Schm

Keyword(s): Osteoporosis - transplantation - corticosteroids - alfacalcidol

Zurück | Weiter