title: Immunomodulators for multiple sclerosis may ameliorate spinal bone loss.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The effect of immunomodulator therapy (IMT) for multiple sclerosis (MS) on bone turnover is unknown.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to assess bone turnover in MS patients on IMT.
  
  
  METHODS
  MS patients (n = 29) on maintenance IMT had repeat measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) after a 4.0 ± 0.4 years; bone turnover markers (BTM) were measured at the time of repeat BMD.
  
  
  RESULTS
  BMD was unchanged at the spine but declined at the hip. BTMs, both resorption and formation, were reduced compared to normative range that may indicate an anti-resorptive action of IMT. Significant negative correlations were noted between BTMs and changes in BMD at spine but not hip.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These observations suggest that IMT may have a beneficial effect on spinal bone by an antiresorptive action. A prospective study of the effect of IMT on BMD and bone turnover is warranted.
authors.affiliation: DXA Unit, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, 4, Ireland. mjmckenn@iol.ie
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: McKenna
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lonergan
authors.forename: J M T
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Redmond
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001862:Bone Resorption / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005270:Femur Head; D006615:Hip; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013131:Spine / Q000187:drug effects; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D007155:Immunologic Factors