Bone mineral density and metabolism in premenopausal women taking L-thyroxine replacement therapy

Bone mineral density, turnover, and microarchitecture assessed by second-generation high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography in patients with Sheehan's syndrome

Sheehan's syndrome (SS) is a rare but well-characterized cause of hypopituitarism. Data on skeletal health is limited and on microarchitecture is lacking in SS patients.

PURPOSE

We aimed to explore skeletal health in SS with bone mineral density (BMD), turnover, and microarchitecture.

METHODS

Thirty-five patients with SS on stable replacement therapy for respective hormone deficiencies and 35 age- and BMI-matched controls were recruited. Hormonal profile and bone turnover markers (BTMs) were measured using electrochemiluminescence assay. Areal BMD and trabecular bone score were evaluated using DXA. Bone microarchitecture was assessed using a second-generation high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 45.5 ± 9.3 years with a lag of 8.3 ± 7.2 years prior to diagnosis. Patients were on glucocorticoid (94%), levothyroxine (94%), and estrogen-progestin replacement (58%). None had received prior growth hormone (GH) replacement. BTMs (P1NP and CTX) were not significantly different between patients and controls. Osteoporosis (26% vs. 16%, p = 0.01) and osteopenia (52% vs. 39%, p = 0.007) at the lumbar spine and femoral neck (osteoporosis, 23% vs. 10%, p = 0.001; osteopenia, 58% vs. 29%, p = 0.001) were present in greater proportion in SS patients than matched controls. Bone microarchitecture analysis revealed significantly lower cortical volumetric BMD (vBMD) (p = 0.02) at the tibia, with relative preservation of the other parameters.

CONCLUSION

Low areal BMD (aBMD) is highly prevalent in SS as compared to age- and BMI-matched controls. However, there were no significant differences in bone microarchitectural measurements, except for tibial cortical vBMD, which was lower in adequately treated SS patients.

Association between serum TSH concentration and bone mineral density: an umbrella review

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to summarize the results of previous studies, standardize the data, and present new statistical results in order to provide physicians with clinically significant outcomes regarding the association between serum TSH concentration and bone mineral density (BMD).

METHODS

To perform this umbrella review, a systematic search was conducted in which major online medical databases, such as PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, were searched for meta-analyses and systematic reviews regarding the effect of TSH on BMD. Furthermore, all primary studies were screened for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The statistical outcomes of the present study were based on the data of 75,898 patients. The pooled risk ratio of any kind of fracture in patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism was estimated to be 1.36 (95% CI: 1.18-1.56; p < 0.001). The SMD for BMD in the distal radius in male patients receiving L-thyroxine suppression therapy was estimated to be -0.61 (95% CI: -1.10-(-0.11); p = 0.02). Furthermore, the pooled risk ratio of any fracture in patients receiving L-thyroxine suppression therapy was estimated to be 1.98 (95% CI: 0.98 - 3.98; p = 0.06). In these patients, the BMD may significantly differ from that in non-treated patients. However, the difference depends on the type of bone.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data confirmed that subclinical hyperthyroidism has a detrimental effect on bones, causing decreased BMD. Based on the obtained results, the authors suggest that a reduced TSH serum level itself may be an individual factor associated with decreased BMD and, thus, with a greater risk of bone fracture. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the effects of TSH suppression therapy differ between areas of interest for assessing BMD. Furthermore, the results have shown that this issue may, in specific areas, concern not only postmenopausal women but also male patients. These conclusions should contribute to a careful consideration of the application of TSH suppressive therapy in all patients. Particular attention should be given to patients after DTC, while all the advantages and disadvantages of implementing L-thyroxine therapy should be individually considered.

Impaired skeletal health in patients with chronic atrophic gastritis

OBJECTIVE

In chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), destruction of gastric parietal cells causes anacidity and hypergastrinemia. Use of proton pump inhibitors, which also induces gastric anacidity, is associated with increased fracture rates. Our objectives were to study possible differences in bone mineral density (BMD) and bone quality in patients with CAG compared to controls.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study on 17 CAG patients aged 54 ± 13 years and 41 sex- and age-matched controls. Lumbar and femoral BMD and bone quality assessed by lumbar trabecular bone score (TBS) were measured by DXA, and bone material strength (BMS) by microindentation of the tibia. Serum bone markers (CTX, P1NP, sclerostin, osteocalcin, OPG, RANKL) were analyzed.

RESULTS

We found lower lumbar BMD Z-score (-0.324 ± 1.096 versus 0.456 ± 1.262, p = 0.030), as well as a higher frequency of osteoporosis at the lumbar spine (p = 0.046) and osteopenia at total hip (p = 0.019) in patients compared to controls. In a post hoc subgroup analysis, we observed that the differences were confined to the male patients. TBS also tended to be lower in male patients (p = 0.059), while BMS did not differ between the groups. Osteocalcin, sclerostin, OPG, and OPG/RANKL ratio were lower in patients compared to controls, while CTX and P1NP did not differ between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed lower lumbar BMD, increased frequency of osteopenia and osteoporosis in male, but not female patients with CAG. Bone markers suggest a decrease in bone formation and increased bone resorption in CAG patients compared to controls.

Treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism does not affect bone mass as determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, peripheral quantitative computed tomography and quantitative bone ultrasound in Spanish women

INTRODUCTION

The results of studies examining the influence of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and levothyroxine (L-T4) replacement therapy on bone have generated considerable interest but also controversy. The present research aims to evaluate the effects of L-T4 treatment on different skeletal sites in women.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A group of 45 premenopausal (mean age: 43.62 ±6.65 years) and 180 postmenopausal (mean age: 59.51 ±7.90 years) women with SCH who were undergoing L-T4 replacement therapy for at least 6 months were compared to 58 pre- and 180 postmenopausal women with SCH (untreated) matched for age. The mean doses of L-T4 were 90.88 ±42.59 µg/day in the premenopausal women and 86.35 ±34.11 µg/day in the postmenopausal women. Bone measurements were obtained using quantitative bone ultrasound (QUS) for the phalanx, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for the lumbar spine and hip, and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) for the non-dominant distal forearm.

RESULTS

No differences were observed between patients and untreated controls in these bone measurements except in the bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine (p = 0.0214) in postmenopausal women, which was greater in treated women than in untreated controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that adequate metabolic control through replacement treatment with L-T4 in pre- and postmenopausal women does not affect bone mass.

Do premenopausal hypothyroid women on levothyroxine therapy need bone status monitoring?

BACKGROUND

Suppressive doses of levothyroxine therapy are reported to reduce bone mineral density (BMD) in women. Data on bone changes in premenopausal hypothyroid women with replacement therapy are limited. Hence, this study was undertaken to evaluate bone changes in this group using bone markers and BMD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A hospital-based case-control study including 75 premenopausal women aged 30-45 years was conducted. The subjects were categorized based on their thyroid function and history into three groups of 25 euthyroid, 25 newly diagnosed hypothyroid, and 25 hypothyroid women on 100-200 μg of levothyroxine for a minimum of 5 years. The bone changes were evaluated and compared among the groups biochemically by estimating their plasma osteocalcin and serum calcium and phosphorus and radiologically by measuring their BMD by quantitative ultrasonography. Statistical analysis was conducted by using analysis of variance, Tukey's test, and Pearson's correlation using IBM SPSS Statistics 20.

RESULTS

Levels of plasma osteocalcin, serum calcium, and serum phosphorus in patients on long-term levothyroxine therapy were significantly higher than those in newly diagnosed hypothyroid women and in the euthyroid group. BMD showed definite features of osteopenia (T-score: -2.26 ± 0.5) among the women in the treatment group, while it was well within the normal range in the newly diagnosed and euthyroid women. A significant correlation was found between the osteocalcin levels and T-score.

CONCLUSION

Hypothyroid women on long-term levothyroxine therapy showed signs of increased bone turnover and increased resorptive changes, though not frank osteoporosis. Hence, it may be important to evaluate the bone status of patients on levothyroxine for >5 years.

Utility of C-terminal Telopeptide in Evaluating Levothyroxine Replacement Therapy-Induced Bone Loss

BACKGROUND

Levothyroxine (LT4) therapy has shown to have effects on bone metabolism though its deleterious effect on bone remodeling is debatable. This study was aimed at assessing the diagnostic utility of the bone remodeling marker C-terminal telopeptide (CTx) in detecting early bone loss.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this case-control study, 84 premenopausal women of 30-45 years of age were selected. Out of them, 28 were recently diagnosed of hypothyroidism (not on LT4), 28 were on LT4 replacement therapy (100-200 μg/day) for more than five years, and 28 had euthyroid. Plasma CTx levels were estimated. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by quantitative ultrasound (QUS) method. Pearson's coefficient of correlation and ANOVA were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

CTx was most elevated in LT4-treated group (0.497 ± 0.209 ng/mL). It showed a significant negative correlation with T-score and Z-score of BMD values. In the treatment group of more than 150 μg/day, CTx showed significantly negative correlation with TSH (r = -0.462, P = 0.047).

CONCLUSION

LT4 therapy induces bone loss in hypothyroid patients. CTx levels can measure such bone loss along with BMD. Regular monitoring of CTx with adjustment in LT4 doses may help delay osteoporosis induced by prolonged LT4 replacement therapy.

Metabolic and clinical consequences of hyperthyroidism on bone density

In 1891, Von Recklinghausen first established the association between the development of osteoporosis in the presence of overt hyperthyroidism. Subsequent reports have demonstrated that BMD loss is common in frank hyperthyroidism, and, to a lesser extent, in subclinical presentations. With the introduction of antithyroid medication in the 1940s to control biochemical hyperthyroidism, the accompanying bone disease became less clinically apparent as hyperthyroidism was more successfully treated medically. Consequently, the impact of the above normal thyroid hormones in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis may be presently underrecognized due to the widespread effective treatments. This review aims to present the current knowledge of the consequences of hyperthyroidism on bone metabolism. The vast number of recent papers touching on this topic highlights the recognized impact of this common medical condition on bone health. Our focus in this review was to search for answers to the following questions. What is the mechanisms of action of thyroid hormones on bone metabolism? What are the clinical consequences of hyperthyroidism on BMD and fracture risk? What differences are there between men and women with thyroid disease and how does menopause change the clinical outcomes? Lastly, we report how different treatments for hyperthyroidism benefit thyroid hormone-induced osteoporosis.

Bone mineral density and bone fracture in male patients receiving long-term suppressive levothyroxine treatment for differentiated thyroid carcinoma

Studies on the effect of exogenous subclinical thyrotoxicosis on bone mineral density (BMD) in male patients treated with suppressive doses of levothyroxine for differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) are not conclusive. In order to evaluate BMD (in femoral neck, lumbar spine, and distal radius) and bone fractures in men under long-term suppressive treatment with levothyroxine for DTC, we conducted a cross-sectional, retrospective study in 33 Caucasian men (mean ± SD age: 56 ± 14 years) under treatment for DTC. The control group comprised 33 healthy age- and body mass index-matched male volunteers. BMD was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Bone turnover biomarkers (calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, PTH, vitamin D, urinary calcium, and N-Telopeptide/creatinine index) and testosterone were determined. Previous bone fractures were evaluated with a questionnaire and X-ray images of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. Patients were treated for a mean duration of 15 ± 5 years. No differences were found between patients and controls in bone turnover biomarkers or areal BMD, T-scores or Z-scores in all sites evaluated. No earlier fractures or pain episodes were registered in either group and the incidence of asymptomatic vertebral fractures did not differ significantly between patient (18.8%) and control groups (16.7%), (P = 0.9). In conclusion, long-term suppressive treatment with levothyroxine in men with DTC does not appear to exert deleterious effects on bone mineral density or increase the prevalence of fracture.

[Bone metabolism during substitution therapy of primary hypothyroidism]

INTRODUCTION

The relation between thyroid hormones and bone metabolism markers in hyperthyroidism is well known. Earlier studies indicate the possibility of bone metabolism acceleration during the excessive replacement therapy with l-thyroxin in hypothyroid patients especially in one with other risk factors for bone metabolism impairment. This study evaluated the effect of physiological l-thyroxine treatment on bone metabolism in patient with primary hypothyroidism.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In the study group of 30 hypothyroid patients individual thyroxine replacement was performed targeting euthyroid status. Bone and calcium metabolism parameters (osteocalcin-OC, alkaline phosphates-ALP, C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide type l-CL, parathormone-PTH, Ca, ionized Ca, P), thyroid hormone levels (T3, T4, TSH) were measured before treatment and when euthyroid status was achieved.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

A significant treatment effect was observed for bone formation and resorption parameters before and during the therapy; OC (p = 0.000024), CL (p = 0.002648). Ionized calcium levels also showed significantly higher values in euthyroid status confirming bone metabolism acceleration during the l-thyroxine therapy (p = 0.020). Thus, calcium metabolism hormone regulators were not significantly different before and after the therapy; PTH (p = 0.27). Thyroid hormone levels showed significant correlation with bone metabolism parameters before the therapy whereas this correlation was not found during therapy because of different individual l-thyroxine doses.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that physiological doses of l-thyroxine therapy accelerate bone metabolism in hypothyroid patients. Thus, the argument against bone loss during physiological substitution is highly specific mutual correlation between bone formation and resorption parameters. These assumptions require further investigations in long-term prospective studies in patients on replacement l-thyroxine therapy.

Impact of total versus subtotal thyroidectomy on calcium metabolism and bone mineral density in premenopausal women

Objective:

This study aimed to compare the impact of total versus subtotal thyroidectomy on calcium metabolism and bone mineral density in euthyroid, premenopausal women.

Subjects:

The study included 24 premenopausal women who had undergone total (n = 10) or subtotal (n = 14) thyroidectomy and who were receiving nonsuppressive doses of thyroxine. The median post-operative period was four years. We determined, in all patients, the following parameters associated with calcium metabolism: total serum calcium, inorganic phosphate, intact parathormone, calcitonin and alkaline phosphatase. The bone mineral density of the spine and hip were measured using a Hologic QDR 4500C bone densitometer and were compared with controls matched for age and peak bone mineral density (using the t-test).

Results:

The measured calcium metabolism parameters were normal in all patients, and none had osteoporosis. There was no significant difference in the bone mineral density measurements for the spine and hip, comparing patients who had undergone total versus subtotal thyroidectomy (using the t-test).

Conclusion:

The impact of total thyroidectomy on bone mineral metabolism is not significantly different from that of subtotal thyroidectomy, in premenopausal women with normal thyroid-stimulating hormone values.

The clinical significance of subclinical thyroid dysfunction

Subclinical thyroid disease (SCTD) is defined as serum free T(4) and free T(3) levels within their respective reference ranges in the presence of abnormal serum TSH levels. SCTD is being diagnosed more frequently in clinical practice in young and middle-aged people as well as in the elderly. However, the clinical significance of subclinical thyroid dysfunction is much debated. Subclinical hyper- and hypothyroidism can have repercussions on the cardiovascular system and bone, as well as on other organs and systems. However, the treatment and management of SCTD and population screening are controversial despite the potential risk of progression to overt disease, and there is no consensus on the thyroid hormone and thyrotropin cutoff values at which treatment should be contemplated. Opinions differ regarding tissue effects, symptoms, signs, and cardiovascular risk. Here, we critically review the data on the prevalence and progression of SCTD, its tissue effects, and its prognostic implications. We also examine the mechanisms underlying tissue alterations in SCTD and the effects of replacement therapy on progression and tissue parameters. Lastly, we address the issue of the need to treat slight thyroid hormone deficiency or excess in relation to the patient's age.

Thyroid and bone

This article provides a summary of the numerous interactions between the thyroid gland and the skeleton, in the normal state, in disorders of thyroid function and as a result of thyroid malignancy. It recaps the current understanding of bone growth and development in the endochondral growth plate and the normal mechanisms of mature bone remodeling. The actions of thyroid hormones on these processes are described, and the clinical impact of thyroid disorders and their treatments on the bone are summarized. Finally, our current understanding of the physiology of bone metastases from thyroid cancer is covered.

Thyroid hormone excess and bone--a clinical review

During the past several years, studies have suggested that exogenous thyroid hormone may adversely affect bone. In order to address this contention and to put the issue in perspective for clinicians who treat patients with thyroid hormone replacement, the available literature was reviewed, and the various study populations were characterized. Age, gender, and menopausal status of the patient are important factors, as are the indication for thyroid hormone replacement and the extent, duration, and severity of prior hyperthyroidism. Reliable measures of bone mineral density, particularly dual-energy x-ray, absorptiometry have become available, providing a more accurate reflection of this parameter in patients receiving thyroxine therapy in comparison with control subjects. The bulk of evidence indicates that long-term thyroxine therapy is safe if the dose is carefully monitored. Treatment with thyroxine does not produce clinically significant bone disease.

Subclinical hyperthyroidism: clinical features and treatment options

Subclinical hyperthyroidism appears to be a common disorder. It may be caused by exogenous or endogenous factors: excessive TSH suppressive therapy with L-thyroxine (L-T4) for benign thyroid nodular disease, differentiated thyroid cancer, or hormone over-replacement in patients with hypothyroidism are the most frequent causes. Consistent evidence indicates that 'subclinical' hyperthyroidism reduces the quality of life, affecting both the psycho and somatic components of well-being, and produces relevant signs and symptoms of excessive thyroid hormone action, often mimicking adrenergic overactivity. Subclinical hyperthyroidism exerts many significant effects on the cardiovascular system; it is usually associated with a higher heart rate and a higher risk of supraventricular arrhythmias, and with an increased left ventricular mass, often accompanied by an impaired diastolic function and sometimes by a reduced systolic performance on effort and decreased exercise tolerance. It is well known that these abnormalities usually precede the onset of a more severe cardiovascular disease, thus potentially contributing to the increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality observed in these patients. In addition, it is becoming increasingly apparent that subclinical hyperthyroidism may accelerate the development of osteoporosis and hence increased bone vulnerability to trauma, particularly in postmenopausal women with a pre-existing predisposition. Subclinical hyperthyroidism and its related clinical manifestations are reversible and may be prevented by timely treatment.

[Effects of hyperthyroidism on bone mass in women of reproductive age]

INTRODUCTION

Hyperthyroidism is one of the most frequent endocrinopathies in women of reproductive age. Consequently, increased risk of osteoporosis may be expected.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The research has included a group of 30 hyperthyroid women and a control group of 30 healthy women of reproductive age. Age and some clinical characteristics were analyzed, as well as some anthropometric parameters. Bone mass parameters were determined by measuring bone mineral density using ultrasound devices (SAHARA-Hologic).

RESULTS

Bone mass parameters in hyperthyroid women are significantly lower than in controls (BUA: 63.25+/-12.17; 69.73+/-10.02 dB/MHz respectively; SOS: 1523.90+/-24.47; 1540.19+/-26.59 m/s respec. QUI/STIFF 79.78+/-13.95; 89.09+/-13.99% respec.) Duration of hyperthyroidism affects bone density and reduces it.

DISCUSSION

Obtained results were expected, having in mind that hyperthyroidism is a condition characterized by increased bone catabolic rate. Also, negative correlation between the duration of hyperthyroidism and bone mass parameters (BUA, SOS) was expected, because it is logical that consolidation of bone mass in adult life cannot be maintained in circumstances in which metabolic rate is increased. During hyperthyroidism, bone loss is expected. In order to confirm this, future studies of bone markers are necessary.

CONCLUSION

Based on results obtained in the study, the following conclusions were made: hyperthyroidism is accompanied by decreased values of bone mass parameters; this effect depends on duration of hyperthyroidism. We confirmed that hyperthyroidism may be the cause of decrease in bone mass, particularly if it lasts more than a year. To prevent osteoporosis in women of reproductive age with hyperthyroidism and involutional osteoporosis later in life, early diagnosis and effective therapy of hyperthyroidism is imperative.

A study of dental implants in medically treated hypothyroid patients

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the success outcomes of implants and prosthodontic treatment placed in patients with a previous history of hypothyroidism that was being controlled with medications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-seven female patients with a medically confirmed history of primary hypothyroid disease who were on replacement medications at the time of implant surgery were selected as the study group. They were matched with 29 control patients by age, gender, location (jaw and zone) of implants, type of prosthesis, and dental status of the opposing arch. Additional factors studied were medical history, medications, smoking habits, and bone quality and quantity.

RESULTS

There was no statistical difference in the number of implant failures between the two groups (p = .781). The hypothyroid patients had more soft tissue complications (p = .018) following stage 1 surgery. More bone loss around implants in the hypothyroid patients was recorded after year 1 of loading when compared with loss in their matched controls (p = .017).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that medically controlled hypothyroid female patients treated with dental implants are not at higher risk of implant failure when compared with matched controls, and that a history of controlled hypothyroidism does not appear to be a contraindication for implant therapy with endosseous implants.

Early changes in parameters of bone and mineral metabolism during therapy for hyper- and hypothyroidism

The effects of thyroid hormones on various organs and metabolic systems have been the focus of intensive research. In this study we investigated the mechanisms of the changes in some parameters of bone and mineral metabolism before and during treatment of hyper- and hypothyroidism. Our study groups were as follows; 1) Untreated hyperthyroid patients (n= 38), 2) Hyperthyroid patients treated for three months (n=21), 3) Untreated hypothyroid patients (n=27), 4) Hypothyroid patients treated for three months (n= 20), and 5) Euthyroid control subjects (age, weight, sex and menopausal status matched) (n = 47). As expected, the mean serum calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and urinary Ca/creatinine and deoxypyridinoline (D-Pyr)/creatinine levels were higher in group-1 than in the control group. Serum PTH level was lower in group-1 than in group-5. However, after treatment for three months (group-2) we found that the serum and urinary levels of these parameters (except ALP) were not different than in the control group. Group-3 and group-4 did not show any differences in these parameters compared with group-5. Covariance analysis showed that urinary D-Pyr excretion had a positive, independent relationship to the serum free T3 level and age (P < 0.001 and P = 0.02, respectively). These results suggest that both bone formation and resorption markers increase in hyperthyroid patients, and with the treatment, particularly, in the period of first three months the bone resorption markers decrease rapidly. If the treatment is maintained the decrease slows, becoming more gradual. However, bone formation markers like ALP remain high in hyperthyroid patients during the treatment. In the light of this data, it is possible to conclude that osteoblastic activity lasts longer in hyperthyroidism. On the other hand, we demonstrated that these bone formation and resorption markers do not seem to be different in hypothyroid patients, even during the treatment, compared to the euthyroid controls.

Long-term hypothyroidism causes decreased bone competence in male European starlings, Sturnus vulgaris

Male European starlings were thyroidectomised and held on either short or long day photoperiods. Intact euthyroid control birds were also held on either short or long days to control for differences in reproductive condition. Femora of birds from each group were sampled following plasma thyroxine measurement. Hypothyroidism caused decreased bone mechanical competence in starlings, as determined by Vickers microhardness testing. It was also found that transfer from short to long daylengths caused increased plasma thyroxine concentration, but that this did not affect bone mechanical competence. The finding that hypothyroidism causes decreased bone mechanical competence agrees with another animal study and a number of human studies, and we conclude that bone quality and mechanical competence can be adversely affected by abnormal thyroxine concentrations.

Normalization of serum thyrotrophin by means of radioiodine treatment in subclinical hyperthyroidism: effect on bone loss in postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND

Patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism (reduced serum TSH and normal free T4 and T3 concentrations) have slightly increased bone turnover and might have reduced bone mass, especially among postmenopausal women (due to concomitantly reduced oestrogen production), as also seen during suppressive L-T4 treatment.

OBJECTIVE

We have evaluated whether normalization of serum TSH using radioiodine treatment (RAI) in postmenopausal women with a nodular goitre and subclinical hyperthyroidism, protects against bone loss?

DESIGN

Prospective, non-randomized study, outpatients 2 years follow-up.

PATIENTS

Postmenopausal women with a nodular goitre, biochemically subclinical hyperthyroidism (TSH < 0.2 mU/I, and signs of a growing goitre or compression symptoms. Sixteen were treated with RAI (median dose 555 MBq) (+RAI), whereas 12 were followed without treatment (-RAI).

MEASUREMENTS

Serum TSH (third generation technology), free T4 and T3 indices, and bone mass (BMD) as measured by Dual Photon Absorptiometry (4 in each group) (only spine) or Dual X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) (both spine and hip), were measured yearly for up to 2 years.

RESULTS

The two groups did not differ regarding age, thyroid hormone parameters, and absolute levels of BMD at spine and hip. RAI resulted in normalization of TSH in all 16 women, and FT4I as well as FT3I decreased to 78% after one year (P < 0.01). These parameters did not change in the untreated group, thus serum TSH remained reduced. BMD at the spine tended to increase (n.s.) after RAI to (median) 101.9% after one year, and 101.5% after 2 years. In contrast the -RAI group experienced a continued fall in BMD to 97.3% after one year, and 95.5% after 2 years, both reduced as compared to the +RAI group (P < 0.02). BMD of the hip also increased after RAI, to 102.3% after one year, and 101.7% after 2 years. In contrast BMD in the -RAI group decreased to 94.8% after one year, and 98.0% after 2 years, both lower than in the +RAI group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Subclinical hyperthyroidism due to a nodular goitre in postmenopausal women resulted in a continued loss of bone mass of about 2% per year. Radioiodine treatment resulting in normalization of serum TSH prevented this continued bone loss for at least 2 years. Our study supports earlier intervention in such patients.

Subclinical thyrotoxicosis

Subclinical thyrotoxicosis is defined as low serum thyrotropin (TSH) and normal serum thyroid hormone concentrations. It must be distinguished from nonthyroidal illness and secondary hypothyroidism. The most common causes are excessive thyroid hormone therapy, autonomously functioning thyroid adenoma, multinodular goiter, and Graves' disease, but many patients have no evident thyroid disease. A few patients have minor symptoms and signs of hyperthyroidism. The likelihood of progression to overt thyrotoxicosis is low, and many patients have normal serum TSH concentrations weeks or months later. Treatment should be based on consideration of the cause of the subclinical thyrotoxicosis, and whether the patient has any clinical manifestations of thyroid hormone excess or underlying problems likely to be aggravated by small increases in thyroid secretion.

Effect of replacement doses of thyroxine on bone mineral density

INTRODUCTION

Hyperthyroidism is associated with a reduction in bone mineral density (BMD). Suppressive doses of thyroxine (T4), inducing subclinical hyperthyroidism, have been reported by some investigators to reduce BMD. Little work has been done on replacement doses of T4.

AIM

The aim was to investigate the effect of replacement doses of T4 on BMD.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study of hypothyroid patients on long-term T4 replacement doses, comparing those who had primary hypothyroidism with those who were previously hyperthyroid.

PATIENTS

Fifty women on replacement doses of T4 for more than 5 years were recruited. Twenty-five were treated for primary (group 1) and 25 for radioiodine-induced hypothyroidism (group 2). They were well matched for age, menstrual status, smoking history, body mass index (BMI), dose and duration of T4 replacement as well as thyroid status.

MEASUREMENTS

BMD was assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Free T4 (FT4), FT3 as well as ultrasensitive TSH assays were used to assess thyroid status.

RESULTS

The two groups showed no difference in BMD (g/cm2) of the lumbar spine (1.008 vs. 0.957, P = 0.25), femoral neck (0.745 vs. 0.735, P = 0.79) and total hip (0.878 vs. 0.837, P = 0.24). When the two groups were pooled, there was no significant difference between the patients and a reference population with femoral neck and total hip BMD expressed as a standard deviation (Z) score. However, the lumbar spine mean Z score was significantly greater than zero. For each site, there was a negative correlation of BMD with age in at least one group but, in general, BMI, FT4, FT3 and duration of T4 replacement did not correlate with BMD. T4 dose, however, had a consistent positive correlation with BMD in the spine, femoral neck and the hip (P = 0.01, 0.04 and 0.02, respectively) in group 2 but not group 1.

CONCLUSION

In this study, there is no evidence for a difference in bone mineral density in patients receiving replacement doses of thyroxine irrespective of the aetiology of their hypothyroidism. The reduced bone mineral density associated with hyperthyroidism appears to be restored, maintained and in some cases possibly improved while on long-term thyroxine replacement post-radioiodine.

Polymorphisms of the interleukin-6 gene are associated with bone mineral density

Genetic factors play an important role in determining bone mass and several genes probably act as regulators of this process. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a candidate gene for regulation of bone density, since it has stimulatory effects on cells of the osteoclast lineage and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of bone loss associated with estrogen deficiency. Here we studied the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and a polymorphic AT rich minisatellite repeat in the 3' flank of the IL-6 gene in a cohort of 200 women. Six length variants were identified (designated A-F), but four of these were rare such that the last majority of individuals fell into one of two common genotypes: F/F (58.5%) and C/F (27.5%). There was a significant relationship between IL-6 genotype and bone mass at the lumbar spine as determined by analysis of variance (p = 0.04) and a similar trend for bone mass at the femoral neck (p = 0.11). When BMD values were compared in the two common genotypes, we found that spine BMD values were significantly higher in the C/F genotype (mean +/- SEM = 0.94 +/- 0.04 g/cm2) as compared with the F/F genotype (0.81 +/- g/cm2; p = 0.012). A similar trend was seen for hip BMD values, but here, the difference failed to reach statistical significance (p = 0.06). Further analysis showed that genotype-specific effects on bone mass were observed in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women and did not increase with age, suggesting that the association between IL-6 polymorphisms and bone density may be mediated by an effect on peak bone mass, rather than rate of bone loss. We conclude that bone mass is associated with two common polymorphisms of the IL-6 gene. Although the mechanisms that underlie this association will require further research, our data suggest that polymorphic variation at the IL-6 gene locus may contribute to the genetic regulation of bone mass.

Secondary osteoporosis

Secondary osteoporosis is diagnosed when there is a well-established disease-related risk factor for fracture or low bone mass. Secondary osteoporosis is associated with a substantial minority of osteoporotic fractures in women perhaps with a majority of osteoporotic related fractures in men. This chapter does not review all the possible causes of low bone mass and fractures but picks out some of the more important causes of, with an emphasis on the main iatrogenic cause, that is corticosteroid induced osteoporosis. It also highlights some of the possible causes which could be avoidable. Where appropriate the methods of prevention and treatment of secondary osteoporosis are reviewed.

Reduced bone density and osteoporosis associated with a polymorphic Sp1 binding site in the collagen type I alpha 1 gene

Osteoporosis is a common disease with a strong genetic component, characterized by reduced bone mass and increased fracture risk. Current evidence suggests that the inheritance of bone mass is under polygenic control but the genes responsible are poorly defined. Type I collagen is the major protein of bone encoded by the COLIA1 and COLIA2 genes. While these are strong candidates for the genetic regulation of bone mass, no abnormality of either gene has so far been defined in osteoporosis. In this study, we describe a novel G-->T polymorphism in a regulatory region of COLIA1 at a recognition site for the transcription factor Sp1(7) that is significantly related to bone mass and osteoporotic fracture. G/T heterozygotes at the polymorphic Sp1 site (Ss) had significantly lower bone mineral density (BMD) than G/G homozygotes (SS) in two populations of British women and BMD was lower still in T/T homozygotes (ss). The unfavourable Ss and ss genotypes were over-represented in patients with severe osteoporosis and vertebral fractures (54%), as compared with controls (27%), equivalent to a relative risk of 2.97 (95% confidence interval 1.63-9.56) for vertebral fracture in individuals who carry the 's' allele. While the mechanisms that underlie this association remain to be defined, the COLIA1 Sp1 polymorphism appears to be an important marker for low bone mass and vertebral fracture, raising the possibility that genotyping at this site may be of value in identifying women who are at risk of osteoporosis.