Leptin, osteocalcin, and bone mineral density in post-hepatitic liver cirrhosis

Prevalent osteoporosis and fracture risk in patients with hepatic cirrhosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hepatic liver cirrhosis can lead to significant systemic complications, including the deterioration of bone health. The resulting bone complications can contribute to a decreased quality of life and increased healthcare burden. This study aimed to systematically review and analyze the risk of osteoporosis, fracture, and changes in bone mineral density (BMD) among patients with hepatic cirrhosis compared to non-cirrhotic healthy controls.

METHODS

Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, studies were sourced from MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase up to July 2024, including observational studies that assessed osteoporosis, fracture, and BMD in cirrhotic versus non-cirrhotic patients. Meta-analyses were performed by calculating odds ratios (OR) and standardized mean differences (SMD) of outcomes. Sensitivity analyses and meta-regression were also conducted to explore the robustness and sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

The analysis included 21 studies with 76,521 cirrhotic and 695,330 control patients. Cirrhotic patients demonstrated significantly higher odds of osteoporosis (OR = 1.93 [1.84 to 2.03]). Fracture was notably elevated, with cirrhotic patients showing an OR of 2.30 [1.66 to 3.18]. Reductions in BMD were observed in both the lumbar spine (SMD = -0.57[-0.79 to -0.35]) and femoral neck (SMD = -0.41 [-0.71 to -0.12]). Sensitivity analyses confirmed these findings, and meta-regression highlighted that male prevalence impacted these associations in various ways.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with hepatic cirrhosis are at heightened risk for osteoporosis and fractures, underlining the need for proactive screening and preventive strategies. Integrating cirrhosis into current fracture-risk models could enhance the assessment and management of bone health in these patients.

Metabolic Bone Disease in Viral Cirrhosis: A Prospective Study

Background/Aim. Metabolic Bone disorders are well-recognized extrahepatic complications of cirrhosis. The aim was to report their prevalence and the associated factors to their development in patients with viral cirrhosis. Patients and Methods. All consecutive patients with viral cirrhosis were prospectively enrolled. Parathyroid hormone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, liver function, and phosphocalcic tests were measured in all patients. Bone mineral density was measured at the lumbar spine and total hip by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results. Forty-six cirrhotic patients were included with hepatitis C (87%) and hepatitis B (13%). The Child-Pugh score was grade A in 87% of cases and grade B in 13%. Thirty-seven patients had decreased bone mineral density with osteopenia in 24 patients and osteoporosis in 13 patients. Decreased 25-hydroxyvitamin D was found in 95.6% of cases. Bone disorders were significantly more frequent in old patients with low body mass index, long duration of liver disease, and low 25-hydroxyvitamin D level. None of these factors was an independent factor associated with bone disorders. Conclusion. Our study revealed a high prevalence of metabolic bone disorders among viral cirrhotic patients. Consequently, bone mineral density assessment should be performed systematically in all cirrhotic patients.

Serum leptin level and its association with fatigue in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM

Fatigue is one of the most common presenting symptoms of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Its pathogenesis has been poorly investigated. Serum leptin levels are increased in cirrhosis and are suggested to have a role in the mediation of fatigue. This study was designed to assess possible association of serum leptin levels with fatigue and severity of liver disease in Egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis C infection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seventy patients and 20 control subjects participated in the study. They were subjected to clinical and laboratory assessment, the determination of serum leptin level by ELISA and the assessment of fatigue using the multidimensional assessment of fatigue (MAF) scale. Respondents are asked to reflect on fatigue patterns for the past week. The MAF is a revision of the Piper Fatigue Scale.

RESULTS

Fatigue was present in all patients (100%) and 13 subjects of the control group (65%). There was a highly significant statistical difference between cases and controls regarding the presence and severity of fatigue. Serum leptin level was significantly higher in cases (24.9±28) in comparison to the control subjects (14.8±8). Serum leptin was not related to severity of liver disease as assessed by the Child Pugh classification. Serum leptin levels were directly correlated to the severity of fatigue (p<0.01) in patients but not in the control subjects.

CONCLUSION

Fatigue is highly prevalent in Egyptian patients with chronic HCV infection. Leptin might play a role in the mediation of fatigue in those patients drawing attention to biological basis of one of the most common symptoms facing clinician dealing with this problem.