Bone metabolism and mineral density in patients with beta-thalassemia major.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate bone metabolism in patients with beta-thalassemia major and to determine the factors associated with the development of osteoporosis.


METHODS
We studied 25 patients with thalassemia major with a mean age of 18.4 years (range 5-31) and aged and gender matched 24 healthy controls who were attending the outpatient physical medicine and rehabilitation clinic of Akdeniz University Hospital between January 2004 and March 2004 in Turkey. Bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar spine (L1-L4) and proximal femur were determined using dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Venous blood samples were obtained for determination of blood cell count and markers of bone formation and resorption.


RESULTS
The BMD values, both at lumbar and femoral neck levels were significantly lower in patients compared to controls. Serum N-telopeptide level was slightly higher, whereas osteocalcin was slightly lower in patients; however, these values were not statistically significant. Plasma levels of insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) and insulin like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) were significantly lower in patients. Also, serum levels of estradiol and progesterone in females, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone in both gender were significantly lower in patients. Serum levels of free testosterone and total testosterone were lower in patients, but not statistically significant. Patients also had significantly higher serum phosphorus levels, and lower serum calcitonin levels compared to controls.


CONCLUSIONS
The BMD is decreased in thalassemic patients. Growth retardation, growth hormone / IGF-I / IGFBP-3 axis dysfunction, gonadal dysfunction and hypothalomo-pituitary-gonadal axis dysfunction may be responsible for the development of osteoporosis in the patients with beta-thalassemia major.
Dundar
Umit
U
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Kocatepe University, 03200 Afyonkarahisar, Turkey. umitftr@yahoo.com
Kupesiz
Alphan
A
Ozdem
Sebahat
S
Gilgil
Erdal
E
Tuncer
Tiraje
T
Yesilipek
Akif
A
Gultekin
Meral
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015519:Bone Density; D016723:Bone Remodeling / Q000502:physiology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000209:etiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000378:metabolism*