The effect of monthly ibandronate on bone mineral density and bone turnover markers in patients with haemophilia A and B and increased risk for fracture

Inflammatory diseases causing joint and bone destruction: rheumatoid arthritis and hemophilic arthropathy

Various diseases and conditions cause joint disorders. Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by the degeneration of articular cartilage, synovitis, and anabolic changes in surrounding bone tissues. In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and hemophilic arthropathy (HA) display marked destruction of bone tissues caused by synovitis. RA is a representative autoimmune disease. The primary tissue of RA pathogenesis is the synovial membrane and involves various immune cells that produce catabolic cytokines and enzymes. Hemophilia is a genetic disorder caused by a deficiency in blood clotting factors. Recurrent intra-articular bleeding leads to chronic synovitis through excessive iron deposition and results in the destruction of affected joints. Although the triggers for these two joint diseases are completely different, many cytokines and enzymes are common in the pathogenesis of both RA and HA. This review focuses on the similarities between joint and bone destruction in RA and HA. The insights may be useful in developing better treatments for hemophilia patients with arthropathy and osteoporosis by leveraging advanced therapeutics for RA.

Risk of low bone mineral density in patients with haemophilia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Patients with haemophilia (PWH) may have lower bone mineral density (BMD). The risk of low BMD in PWH has not been comprehensively analysed. This study aimed to examine the risk of low BMD and changes in BMD in PWH.

METHODS

A comprehensive systematic search was performed in 4 databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. The last search was carried out on 11 December 2022. Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 16 were used for meta-analysis. Odds ratios were calculated by the incidence of low BMD between the haemophilia and control groups in each study. A meta-analysis of the odds ratios for each study was performed to estimate pooled odds ratios. Fixed effects models or random effects models were used to assess outcomes. Heterogeneity was evaluated using Higgins' I2. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed to interpret the potential source of heterogeneity. A funnel plot, Egger's regression test, and the trim-and-fill method were used to assess publication bias.

RESULTS

19 of 793 studies, published between 2004 and 2022, that were identified by search strategy were included in this meta-analysis. The risk for low BMD was approximately four times higher compared to controls. PWH have significantly lower lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip BMD. Subgroup analysis showed that the risk of low BMD did not increase significantly in developed countries. Very low heterogeneity was observed in the meta-analysis of the risk of low BMD. The result from Egger's regression test suggested that there may be publication bias. However, the meta-analysis results did not alter after the trim-and-fill correction and the findings were robust.

CONCLUSION

Haemophilia was associated with an increased risk of low BMD. However, the risk of low BMD did not increase significantly in developed countries. And BMD was reduced in PWH, regardless of age, region, or economic ability. For PWH, our concerns should extend beyond bleeding and osteoarthritis to encompass BMD starting at a young age.

Pathogenesis and treatment of osteoporosis in patients with hemophilia

INTRODUCTION

Hemophilia is a rare X-linked recessive inherited bleeding disorder caused by mutations of the genes encoding coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) or IX (FIX). Patients with hemophilia (PWH) often have a high risk of osteoporosis and fractures that is usually ignored. Herein, we review the underlying mechanisms of osteoporosis and the increased risk of fractures and their treatment in patients with FVIII or FIX deficiency.

METHODS

The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched to identify original research articles, meta-analyses, and scientific reviews on the mechanisms or treatment of osteoporosis in PWH.

RESULTS

The pathogenic mechanisms of osteoporosis in PWH are multifactorial and remain unclear. The available evidence shows that FVIII and FIX deficiency may directly affect bone metabolism by interfering with the RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway. Other potential mechanisms of osteoporosis in PWH include thrombin deficiency and the unloading and immobilization of bone, which will affect osteoblast and osteoclast activity by changing the cytokine profiles. The treatment of osteoporosis in PWH includes antiresorptive, anabolic, and dual-action drugs; weight-bearing exercise; fall prevention; and prophylactic coagulation factor replacement therapy. However, clinical studies of the efficacy of anti-osteoporotic agents in osteoporosis of PWH are urgently needed.

CONCLUSION

This review summarizes recent progress in research on the pathogenesis of osteoporosis in PWH and provides insights into potential treatment for osteoporosis in PWH.

Osteoporosis in hemophilia: what is its importance in clinical practice?

INTRODUCTION

The relationship between severe hemophilia and osteoporosis has been well established in the literature. However, although the importance of its prevention in order to reduce the risk of bone fractures has been reported, the importance of its treatment in clinical practice has not been well analyzed.

AREAS COVERED

In this paper a review of the available clinical and experimental information on osteoporosis in hemophilia has been performed, to better understand the relationship between hemophilia and osteoporosis. Prevention of osteoporosis in hemophilia should include primary hematological prophylaxis; a diet appropriate in calcium and vitamin D; a regular exercise program that includes aerobics, strength training and balance and flexibility activities; restriction of tobacco and alcohol use; and limitation of the duration of immobilization.

EXPERT OPINION

Prevention of osteoporosis in hemophilic patients is paramount. However, it is noteworthy that there is only one publication on the treatment of osteoporosis in patients with hemophilia. Until further research is done on this topic, the existing recommendations for non-hemophilic patients should be followed. They include the use of antiresorptives (estrogens, selective estrogen receptor modulators, bisphosphonates, denosumab) and anabolic agents (teriparatide, abaloparatide, romosozumab). Further studies on the management of osteoporosis in patients with hemophilia are required.

Osteoporosis management and falls prevention in patients with haemophilia: Review of haemophilia guidelines

INTRODUCTION

Patients with haemophilia (PWH) have a high prevalence of osteoporosis, falls and fractures at all ages. The role of haemophilia itself may contribute to low bone mineral density (BMD) due to coagulation factor deficiency. Guidelines for the management of osteoporosis, fracture and fall risk may help to reduce fracture and fall risk, and delay osteoporosis onset.

AIM

We aim to review current haemophilia guidelines regarding osteoporosis prevention, screening, diagnosis and management, and fall prevention.

METHOD

A database search (Ovid MEDLINE) revealed two haemophilia guidelines (World and British) published within the last ten years. Local Australian haemophilia guidelines were identified through a manual search.

RESULTS

All haemophilia guidelines were found to contain inadequate recommendations for osteoporosis management and fall prevention due to a lack of evidence in the literature.

CONCLUSION

Further studies are required to assess the trajectory of bone health in PWH, the mechanism of bone loss in PWH, and the effectiveness of weight-bearing exercises, interventions for fall prevention, screening programmes, and use of anti-osteoporosis medications in PWH across the lifecourse.

Low Bone Mineral Density in Hemophiliacs

Objective

To review the current knowledge on bone health in patients with hemophilia A and the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms.

Data Sources

Original research articles, meta-analyses, and scientific reviews.

Data Synthesis

Already in childhood, patients with hemophilia A are prone to low bone mineral density, leading to osteopenia and/or osteoporosis. Initially associated with the life style of hemophilia, today we are faced with accumulating evidence that coagulation factor VIII is involved directly or indirectly in bone physiology.

Conclusion

Understanding the role of factor VIII and the mechanisms of decreased bone mineral density in hemophilia A is critically important, especially as non-factor replacement therapies are available, and treatment decisions potentially impact bone health.

Therapeutic Effects of Kefir Peptides on Hemophilia-Induced Osteoporosis in Mice With Deficient Coagulation Factor VIII

Osteoporosis is a clinically prevalent comorbidity in patients with hemophilia. A preventive effect of kefir peptides (KPs) on postmenopausal osteoporosis has been proved. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of KPs for the treatment of osteoporosis in coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) gene knockout mice (F8KO), a model of hemophilia A. In this study, male F8KO mice at 20 weeks of age were orally administered different doses of KPs for 8 weeks. The therapeutic effects of KPs were shown in the femoral trabeculae and the 4th lumbar vertebrae, which increased the trabecular bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume (Tb.BV/TV), and trabecular number (Tb.N) and decreased the trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), and they were also observed in the femoral cortical bones, in which the mechanical properties were enhanced in a dose-dependent manner. Characterization of receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) demonstrated that the serum RANKL/OPG ratio and IL-6 levels were significantly decreased in the F8KO mice after the KP treatment. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining of mature osteoclasts indicated that the therapeutic effect of KPs in F8KO mice was associated with the functions of KPs to inhibit RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by reducing serum RANKL/OPG ratio and IL-6 secretion. The present study is the first to address the potentials of KPs for the treatment of hemophilia-induced osteoporosis in mice and it also provides useful information for the application of KPs as a complementary therapy for the treatment of osteoporosis in hemophilic patients.

Management of comorbidities in haemophilia

With the introduction of clotting factor concentrates in the early 1970s, significant improvements in quality of life and life expectancy of persons with haemophilia (PWH) were realized. Unfortunately, as a result of transmission of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) by contaminated concentrates in the 1980s, many of these gains were lost. Now with four decades of PWH unexposed to contaminated factor products and current treatments capable of suppressing and eliminating HIV and HCV, respectively, the survival rate is once again increasing. In addition to the usual comorbidities associated with advanced age in the general population, several specific issues occur in patients with bleeding disorders. This manuscript explores the incidence and management of the comorbidities of the ageing PWH with a focus on cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

Hematological Diseases and Osteoporosis

Secondary osteoporosis is a common clinical problem faced by bone specialists, with a higher frequency in men than in women. One of several causes of secondary osteoporosis is hematological disease. There are numerous hematological diseases that can have a deleterious impact on bone health. In the literature, there is an abundance of evidence of bone involvement in patients affected by multiple myeloma, systemic mastocytosis, thalassemia, and hemophilia; some skeletal disorders are also reported in sickle cell disease. Recently, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance appears to increase fracture risk, predominantly in male subjects. The pathogenetic mechanisms responsible for these bone loss effects have not yet been completely clarified. Many soluble factors, in particular cytokines that regulate bone metabolism, appear to play an important role. An integrated approach to these hematological diseases, with the help of a bone specialist, could reduce the bone fracture rate and improve the quality of life of these patients.

The role of sclerostin/dickkopf-1 and receptor activator of nuclear factor kB ligand/osteoprotegerin signalling pathways in the development of osteoporosis in patients with haemophilia A and B: A cross-sectional study

AIM

Haemophilia A and B are associated with reduced bone mineral density (BMD). The aim of this study was to assess circulating sclerostin and dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1), (inhibitors of osteoblastic differentiation), as well as the receptor activator of nuclear factor kB ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) system (the major regulator of osteoclastogenesis), in patients with haemophilia (PWH), their possible correlations with clinical risk factors and the effect of ibandronate on these markers.

METHODS

Eighty-nine male PWH (mean age 45.9 ± 15.3 years) and 30 age-matched healthy male controls participated. BMD was assessed by DXA. Sclerostin, Dkk-1, RANKL and OPG were measured in serum of patients, controls, as well as in ten patients receiving oral ibandronate (150 mg/mo), at baseline and after 12 months.

RESULTS

Patients with haemophilia had lower circulating sclerostin (median ± IQR: 47.4 ± 26.93 vs 250 ± 250 pmol/L, P < .001), Dkk-1 (21.24 ± 17.18 vs 26.16 ± 15.32pg/mL, P = .04) and higher levels of RANKL (0.23 ± 0.03 vs 0.04 ± 0.03 pmol/L, P = .001), RANKL/OPG ratio (0.063 ± 0.25 vs 0.005 ± 0.11, P = .001) compared with controls. Patients with low BMD had higher OPG concentrations compared to those with normal BMD. Sclerostin and RANKL/OPG correlated positively with BMD. Patients with severe haemophilia had lower sclerostin concentrations compared with those with mild or moderate disease. The degree of arthropathy negatively correlated with sclerostin and Dkk-1 levels. PWH who received ibandronate showed a decrease in serum Dkk-1 without any significant effect on sclerostin and RANKL/OPG.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with haemophilia present increased osteoclastic activity coupled with compensatory increased osteoblastic activity. Ibandronate did not affect RANKL/OPG ratio, but it decreased Dkk-1.

Haemophilia A and B as a cause for secondary osteoporosis and increased fracture risk

Despite the increasing evidence regarding its association with low bone mineral density (BMD) both in adults and children, haemophilia A or B has not yet been considered among the classic causes of secondary osteoporosis. Although the exact mechanisms are not fully elucidated, physical inactivity and vitamin D deficiency seem to play a fundamental role for such an association. Viral infections and arthropathy further compromise bone mass. Except for low BMD, patients with haemophilia seem to be at increased risk for fracture and falls. The FRAX tool may be of value in this population, for the estimation of fracture risk. Regular exercise, prophylactic factor replacement therapy in severe haemophilia, fall prevention strategies and optimization of calcium and vitamin D intake are recommended. In any case, individualized multidisciplinary approach and careful assessment and management of fracture risk are recommended.

Predictors of Ibandronate Efficacy for the Management of Osteoporosis: A Meta-Regression Analysis

Background

Aim of the present study was to identify the predictors of ibandronate efficacy in subjects with osteoporosis or decreased bone mineral density (BMD).

Method

Several electronic databases were searched by using specific keywords for the acquisition of research articles reporting the efficacy of ibandronate in subjects with osteoporosis or decreased BMD. Metaregression analyses were carried out by using changes in the BMD of lumbar spine and total hip following ibandronate treatment as dependent (outcome) variables against several independent (explanatory) variables.

Results

Data were extracted from 34 studies (11,090 ibandronate treated subjects) which fulfilled eligibility criteria. A history of previous fracture/s was reported by 46% of these subjects. In overall population, longer treatment duration from 1 to 5 years, increasing age, history of previous fractures, lower baseline T score, and higher baseline levels of C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX) predicted higher ibandronate efficacy in improving BMD of the lumbar spine as well as of the total hip. Lower baseline levels of vitamin D and higher baseline levels of bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) predicted higher efficacy of ibandronate for lumbar spine only. In postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or decreased BMD, in addition to above-mentioned predictors, better efficacy of ibandronate was also associated with increasing time since menopause for both lumbar spine and total hip and lower body weight for lumbar spine only.

Conclusion

Longer treatment duration from 1 to 5 years, increasing age, lower baseline T scores, and higher serum CTX levels are identified as the predictors of better efficacy of ibandronate in the study subjects with osteoporosis or decreased BMD.

Dose-Effectiveness Relationships Determining the Efficacy of Ibandronate for Management of Osteoporosis: A Meta-Analysis

The purpose of this study was to perform a meta-analysis on the efficacy of ibandronate by evaluating the effect sizes of different dosing regimens.Major electronic databases were searched from 1985 to February 2015. A random effects meta-analysis was performed in STATA.Data from 34 studies (13,639 patients) were included in this meta-analysis. Ibandronate treatment significantly improved lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) as shown by the percent change from baseline (4.80%, P < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval [CI] [4.14, 5.45]). The respective effect sizes for oral intake and intravenous (IV) infusion were 4.57% and 5.22% (P < 0.0001, CIs [3.71, 5.42] and [4.37, 6.07]), respectively. All doses led to a significant increase in BMD except 2 oral dose regimens (1 mg/d: 4.65%, P = 0.285, 95% CI [-3.87, 13.18] and 0.5 mg/d: 3.60%, P = 0.38, 95% CI [-4.43, 11.64]. Ibandronate treatment (overall as well as dose wise) also significantly improved the total hip BMD-2.30% overall, 2.13% oral, and 2.63% IV (P < 0.0001, 95% CIs [1.96, 2.64], [1.70, 2.55], and [2.07, 3.20]), respectively. Ibandronate administration significantly decreased serum markers of bone resorption to -46.53% for C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen, -24.03% for bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, and -50.17% for procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (P < 0.0001, 95% CIs [-53.16, -39.91], [-31.28, -16.77], and [-64.13, -36.20]), respectively. Parathyroid hormone levels remained unaffected by ibandronate treatment (3.03%, P = 0.439, 95% CI [-5.06, 11.66]).There was no significant difference in the efficacy of ibandronate between oral or IV administration. Predominant dose regimens for IV administration were 1 to 3 mg/3 mo and 150 mg/mo oral and 2.5 mg/d for oral ibandronate treatment.

The clinical utility of bone turnover markers in the evaluation of bone disease in patients with haemophilia A and B

Haemophilia A and B have been associated with increased prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD). However, the utility of bone turnover markers (BTM) remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate bone metabolism in men with haemophilia and to investigate associations between BTM and bone disease. Serum N- (NTX-I), C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase band-5b (TRAP-5b), as bone resorption markers, and osteocalcin (OC) and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (b-ALP), as bone formation markers, were assessed. Seventy men with haemophilia A (n = 59) or B (n = 11) were studied. Patients with low BMD had significantly higher b-ALP concentrations compared with those with normal BMD (12.8 ± 1.60 vs. 9.72 ± 0.58 μg/L, P = 0.009), without any differences in the other BTM. NTX-I and CTX-I concentrations were negatively associated with oestradiol levels and hip BMD and positively with human immunodeficiency virus infection, number of affected joints and arthropathy scores. B-ALP and OC concentrations were negatively associated with hip BMD, severity of haemophilia and fracture history, and positively with the number of affected joints and testosterone concentrations. After multivariate analysis, NTX-I levels remained negatively associated with oestradiol levels, whereas b-ALP concentrations negatively correlated with the level of physical activity and positively with the number of affected joints. Increased bone metabolism exists in men with haemophilia and low BMD. Increased b-ALP levels may identify patients at high risk for fracture. Increased number of target joints, low physical activity and low oestradiol concentrations are independently associated with increased bone metabolism.