Hepatic Osteodystrophy: A Global (Re)View of the Problem.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to review the prevalence, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of hepatic osteodystrophy, including the role of calcium supplementation in patients with chronic liver diseases.
Results Summary
The study found that calcium supplementation, along with vitamin D, should be recommended for patients with chronic liver diseases and osteoporosis, as part of the management strategy for hepatic osteodystrophy. Bisphosphonates were noted as the most efficient treatment.
Population
Patients with chronic liver diseases and osteoporosis or osteopenia.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vitamin D and calcium supplementation | decrease | osteoporosis | all patients with chronic liver diseases and osteoporosis | - | should be recommended | #1 |
Bisphosphonates | decrease | hepatic osteodystrophy | - | - | are the most efficient drugs used | #2 |
Hepatic osteodystrophy is a common and frequently untreated complication, manifested as osteoporosis or osteopenia, encountered in the evolution of chronic liver diseases. This article provides a narrative review of hepatic osteodystrophy. The aim is to revise the prevalence, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of hepatic osteodystrophy. We searched medical literature via PubMed, Google Scholar, Wiley, Science Direct, and Springer Link using respective keywords to obtain data on low bone mineral density connected to chronic liver diseases. Many studies have reported an increased prevalence of osteoporosis/osteopenia in patients with chronic liver diseases. The pathogenesis is multifactorial, involving genetic factors, vitamin deficiencies, proinflammatory cytokines, hypogonadism, hyperbilirubinemia, antiviral therapy, corticosteroid drugs, and lifestyle factors. The management of patients should include individualized assessment for fracture risk factors and bone mineral density. Vitamin D and calcium supplementation should be recommended in all patients with chronic liver diseases and osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates are the most efficient drugs used in the treatment of hepatic osteodystrophy. In the future, it is necessary to define better the management and specific treatment of hepatic osteodystrophy for prevention of fragility fractures and to improve the patient quality of life.