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Bone Disorders in Chronic Liver Diseases

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Abstract

Bone disease is a major complication of chronic liver disease. Osteomalacia is quite uncommon despite low vitamin D levels in the majority of patients with cirrhosis. In contrast, osteoporosis is quite common, occurring in up to 50% of patients. Osteoporosis can result in spontaneous or low-impact fractures in patients with chronic liver diseases, adversely affecting morbidity, quality of life, and survival. The general biology of osteoporosis, including its pathogenesis, diagnostic tools, and rationale for treatment, have been determined largely empirically from studies of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Treatment regimens with modification of risk factors, use of vitamin D, and supplementation with calcium and bisphosphonates have been shown to be effective in select groups of patients with chronic liver diseases.

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  1. Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Chairman’s Office, Suite 5005F PHC, 3800 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC, 20007, USA

    Bruce A. Luxon

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Correspondence to Bruce A. Luxon.

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Luxon, B.A. Bone Disorders in Chronic Liver Diseases. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 13, 40–48 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-010-0166-4

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