Ostéoporose des entérocolopathies

Osteomalacia in a patient with primary intestinal lymphangiectasis (Waldmann's disease)

Primary intestinal lymphangiectasis (PIL), also known as Waldmann's disease, is a rare protein-losing enteropathy characterized by abnormal enlargement of the lymphatic ducts in the bowel wall. The symptoms usually start in early infancy. We report a case of osteomalacia in a 63-year-old patient with delayed-onset of PIL, for which she was on dietary treatment. She presented with a 3-year history of mechanical pain in the back and pelvis. Mild ascites and edema with functional impairment of the lower limbs were noted. The neurological evaluation was normal. Blood tests showed hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, alkaline phosphatase elevation, and evidence of intestinal malabsorption. Radiographs of the pelvis disclosed a fracture, Looser's zones in the iliopubic rami and left femoral neck, and a washed-out appearance of the vertebras. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry showed bone loss with T-score values of -1.2SD at the lumbar spine and -2.5SD at the femoral necks. A diagnosis of osteomalacia related to vitamin D deficiency was given. Serum 25-OH-vitamin D was 18.2ng/ml (normal, 20-40ng/ml) and serum parathyroid hormone was 620pg/ml (normal, 15-65pg/ml), suggesting secondary hyperparathyroidism. Intramuscular vitamin D was given, together with oral calcium and an adequate diet. At follow-up 8 months later, small improvements were noted in the symptoms and absorptiometry findings.

Ostéoporoses secondaires en médecine interne

INTRODUCTION

The term 'primary' osteoporosis refers to osteoporosis that results from the involutional losses associated with aging and, in women, additional losses related to natural menopause. Osteoporosis that is caused or exacerbated by other disorders or medication exposures is referred to as 'secondary' osteoporosis.

CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND KEY POINTS

This article describes the major causes and provides a framework for the diagnostic investigation of patients with suspected of having secondary osteoporosis. There are numerous causes of secondary bone loss, including endocrine disorders, disorders of the gastrointestinal or biliary tract, rheumatic diseases, haematological diseases, immobilization, adverse effects of drug therapy, and a wide miscellaneous group.

FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

Secondary osteoporosis is potentially reversible during the treatment of the underlying disease. It must be identified and induce a symptomatic treatment in all cases plus an etiologic treatment when possible.

Osteoporosis and Crohn's disease

Osteoporosis and osteopenia have been reported frequently in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, most notably Crohn's disease.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence and risk factors of osteoporosis in patients with Crohn's disease.

METHODS

Prospective study of 56 patients with Crohn's disease, 34 men and 22 women with a mean age of 32 +/- 10.4 years (18-54 years) and no history of disorders known to influence bone metabolism. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measurements of bone mineral density (BMD) were obtained at the femoral neck and lumbar spine. A multivariate model including those factors significantly associated with low BMD in the univariate analysis was used to identify independent risk factors.

RESULTS

Osteoporosis was found in 35.7% and osteopenia in 23.2% of patients. Low BMD was significantly associated with low body mass index (BMI), colonic involvement, and glucocorticoid therapy. Low BMI was an independent risk factor for low BMD. Malnutrition with BMI < or =18 kg/m2 was noted in 21 patients, of whom 76.2% had low BMD values, as compared to 48.6% of the patients whose BMI was >18 kg/m2 (P = 0.03, odds ratio = 3.4).

CONCLUSION

Among risk factors for bone loss in patients with Crohn's disease, malnutrition plays a prominent role that deserves attention when planning treatment programs.