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
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.