title: Transient osteoporosis of pregnancy.
abstract: Transient osteoporosis of pregnancy (TOP) is a rare yet perhaps under-reported condition that has affected otherwise healthy pregnancies throughout the world. The condition presents suddenly in the third trimester of a usually uneventful pregnancy and progressively immobilizes the mother. Radiographic studies detect drastic loss of bone mass, elevated rates of turnover in the bone, and oedema in the affected portion. Weakness of the bone can lead to fractures during delivery and other complications for the mother. Then, within weeks of labour, symptoms and radiological findings resolve. Aetiology is currently unknown, although neural, vascular, haematological, endocrine, nutrient-deficiency, and other etiologies have been proposed. Several treatments have also been explored, including simple bed rest, steroids, bisphosphonates, calcitonin, induced termination of pregnancy, and surgical intervention. The orthopedist plays an essential role in monitoring the condition (and potential complications) as well as ensuring satisfactory outcomes for both the mother and newborn.
authors.affiliation: Harvard Orthopaedic Trauma Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA. gmaliha@princeton.edu
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Maliha
authors.forename: Jordan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vrahas
mesh_terms: D015519:Bone Density; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002116:Calcitonin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004487:Edema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005598:Fractures, Spontaneous / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D011859:Radiography
chemical_list: D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates; D002116:Calcitonin