The risk of osteoporosis in patients with liver cirrhosis: a meta-analysis of literature studies

Association of chronic liver disease with bone diseases and muscle weakness

The liver is a vital organ involved in nutrient metabolism, hormone regulation, immunity, cytokine production, and gut homeostasis. Impairment in liver function can result in malnutrition, chronic inflammation, decreased anabolic hormone levels, and dysbiosis. These conditions eventually cause an imbalance in osteoblast and osteoclast activities, resulting in bone loss. Osteoporosis is a frequent complication of chronic liver disease (CLD) that adversely affects quality of life and increases early mortality. Sarcopenia is another common complication of CLD characterized by progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and function. Assessment criteria for sarcopenia specific to liver disease have been established, and sarcopenia has been reported to be associated with an increase in the risk of liver disease-related events and mortality in patients with CLD. Owing to their similar risk factors and underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, osteoporosis and sarcopenia often coexist (termed osteosarcopenia), progress in parallel, and further exacerbate the conditions mentioned above. Therefore, comprehensive management of these musculoskeletal disorders is imperative. This review summarizes the clinical implications and characteristics of osteoporosis, extending to sarcopenia and osteosarcopenia, in patients with CLD caused by different etiologies.

Clinical Indicators of Bone Deterioration in Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis and Chronic Alcohol Abuse: Looking beyond Bone Fracture Occurrence

Although previous studies indicated that chronic alcohol abuse (CAA) and alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC) are associated with increased bone fragility, understanding bone fragility determinants is still modest in these individuals. We used a comprehensive individualized clinical fracture risk assessment approach (vertebral osteodensitometry, femoral osteodensitometry and geometry, and serum bone turnover biomarkers) to compare adult male patients with ALC who have not previously had femoral or vertebral fractures (n = 39), patients with CAA (without liver cirrhosis, n = 78) who have not previously had femoral or vertebral fractures and healthy age- and sex-matched controls (n = 43). Our data suggested that intertrochanteric bone mineral density was significantly lower in ALC and CAA patients than in controls. Also, the trabecular bone score was considerably lower in ALC patients compared with CAA and control individuals. The most significant inter-group differences in femoral geometry were noted on the femoral shaft. Patients with ALC and CAA have a higher 10-year risk of major osteoporotic fractures compared to the controls. Analysis of bone turnover biomarkers showed increased osteoprotegerin and beta-C-terminal telopeptide serum concentrations and decreased insulin growth factor-1 concentrations in patients with ALC compared to CAA and control groups. Our data revealed that bone alterations are present in patients with ALC and CAA even if they did not sustain a nontraumatic bone fracture, but it is also indicative that current bone-assessing clinical methods are not entirely reliable. Thus, future studies should focus on developing a reliable integrative clinical tool that can be used to accurately predict and prevent bone fracture occurrences in patients with ALC and CAA.

Osteoporosis and Fragility Fractures in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: Usefulness of FRAX® as a Screening Tool

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of osteoporosis and fragility fractures in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) and determine the associated risk factors, evaluating the usefulness of FRAX® as a screening method to identify patients at a higher risk of fracture.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study. Demographic, clinical, and analytical data were collected in a randomized sample of LC patients attending the Hepatology Department of a university hospital. We assessed the absolute risk of fracture at 10 years (FRAX®) and based on the bone mineral density (BMD), the presence of morphometric vertebral fracture with a vertebral fracture assessment (VFA), or a thoracic and lumbar X-ray and bone microarchitecture with a trabecular bone score (TBS).

RESULTS

Ninety-two patients were included (71% male); the mean age was 63 ± 11.3 years. The main etiology of LC was alcoholism (52.2%), and most patients were Child-Pugh A (80.4%), with a mean model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score of 10.1 ± 3.6. Sixteen patients (17.4%) had osteoporosis, and fifty-four (58.7%) had osteopenia. Eight patients (8.7%) had suffered at least one fragility fracture. The absolute risk of a major fracture according to FRAX without the BMD was 5.7 ± 4.5%. Risk factors associated with osteoporosis were age and the female sex. BMI > 30 was a protective factor. A FRAX cut-off point for a major fracture > 6.6% had a sensitivity of 69% and a specificity of 85% for a diagnosis of osteoporosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of osteoporosis and fractures in patients with LC is high, particularly in older women. FRAX® may be a useful method to identify candidates for bone densitometry. A FRAX value below 6.6% without the BMD can avoid unnecessary testing.

Associations of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and hepatic fibrosis with bone mineral density and risk of osteopenia/osteoporosis in T2DM patients

Background

Existing evidence on the associations of liver steatosis and fibrosis with bone mineral density (BMD) and risk of osteopenia/osteoporosis was limited with conflicting results. We aimed to evaluate the associations of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and hepatic fibrosis with BMD and risk of osteopenia/osteoporosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.

Methods

Baseline information of an ongoing cohort of 249 T2DM patients in Xiamen, China was analyzed. MAFLD was defined as the presence of hepatic steatosis [diagnosed by either hepatic ultrasonography scanning or fatty liver index (FLI) score >60] for T2DM patients. BMD was measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at total lumbar (L2-4), femur neck (FN), and total hip (TH) and was categorized as normal (T ≥ -1.0), osteopenia (-2.5 < T < -1.0), or osteoporosis (T ≤ -2.5) according to its minimum T-score.

Results

Among the 249 T2DM patients, prevalence rates of MAFLD, osteopenia, and osteoporosis were 57.8%, 50.6%, and 17.7%, respectively. Patients with MAFLD had significantly higher BMD T-scores of L2-4, FN, and TH and the minimum as well as lower prevalence of osteoporosis than patients without MAFLD. Hepatic steatosis indices, including FLI score, fatty liver (FLI ≥ 60 or hepatic ultrasonography scanning), and MAFLD, were significantly and positively associated with all T-scores, while hepatic fibrosis index and FIB-4 score, but not NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS), were negatively associated with all T-scores. MAFLD was significantly associated with the decreased risk of osteopenia/osteoporosis and osteoporosis with unadjusted odds ratios (ORs) (95% CI) of 0.565 (0.324-0.987) and 0.434 (0.224-0.843) (both p-values < 0.05), respectively. As for liver fibrosis, FIB-4 score, but not NFS, was significantly associated with elevated risk of osteoporosis with an unadjusted OR (95% CI) per SD increase of FIB-4 score of 1.446 (1.080-1.936, p-value = 0.013). Adjusting for potential confounding variables, especially body mass index, in the multivariable regression analyses, all associations of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis indices with BMD and risk of osteopenia/osteoporosis were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

MAFLD and hepatic fibrosis were not significantly associated with BMD and risk of osteopenia/osteoporosis independent of obesity. Nevertheless, screening and management of MAFLD and osteopenia/osteoporosis were still important for the prevention of fracture in T2DM patients.

Assessment of mandibular cortical index in patients with hepatic cirrhosis: A case-control study

AIMS

To assess the presence of alterations suggestive of reduced bone mineral density (BMD) by using mandibular cortical index (MCI) in panoramic radiographs of cirrhotic individuals and to evaluate their relationship with other characteristics of hepatic cirrhosis (HC).

METHODS AND RESULTS

This is an observational case-control study assessing the medical records of 165 cirrhotic patients matched by sex and age with healthy individuals. MELD (model of end stage liver disease) score, etiology, complications, comorbidities, and serum levels of vitamin D were collected. MCI was used to obtain BMD. Binary logistic regression was used to test associations and the risk estimates were expressed in odds ratio. Most of the sample consisted of men (73.93%) with median age of 56 years old. In the study group, the mean value of MELD was 16.5 and hepatitis C was the main etiology of HC (33.9%). Cirrhotic individuals are 3.99 times more likely to present alterations suggestive of reduced BMD (p < .01). There was no statistical significance in the association of MCI with levels of vitamin D, comorbidities, etiology or cirrhosis complications.

CONCLUSIONS

MCI suggestive of reduced BMD is more likely to be identified in panoramic radiographs of cirrhotic individuals than of healthy ones.

Seropositive for hepatitis B and C viruses is associated with the risk of decreased bone mineral density in adults: An analysis of studies from the NHANES database

Background

Some studies had reported that patients with viral hepatitis are at increased risk of reduced bone mineral density and even osteoporosis. However, the interaction between reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and viral hepatitis remains inconclusive. Therefore, our study collected hepatitis test results and bone mineral density from respondents in the NHANES database. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is an association between hepatitis and a decrease in bone mineral density.

Methods

The respondents with both hepatitis- and BMD-related indicators from the NHANES database in the United States from 2005-2010, 2013-2014, to 2017-2020 were collected for this study. BMD were compared between respondents who were positive and negative for respondents related to hepatitis B and C. BMD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry of the femur and lumbar spine. Finally, multiple regression analysis was performed between hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis C RNA (HCV-RNA) and BMD in the respondents.

Results

A total of 15,642 respondents were included in the hepatitis B surface antigen-related survey. Of these, 1,217 respondents were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen. A total of 5111 hepatitis C RNA-related responders were included. Hepatitis C RNA-positive had 268 respondents. According to the results of the multiple regression analysis, the femoral BMD was significantly lower in HBsAg (+) respondents compared to HBsAg (-) respondents: -0.018 (-0.026, -0.009) (P < 0.01). Moreover, spinal BMD was significantly lower in HBsAg (+) respondents compared to HBsAg (-) respondents: -0.020 (-0.030, -0.010) (P < 0.01). According to the results of multiple regression analysis for hepatitis C RNA, HCV-RNA (+) respondents had significantly lower BMD compared to HCV-RNA (-) respondents: -0.043 (-0.059, -0.026) (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

During the analysis of respondents in the NHANES database in the United States, positive tests for hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C RNA were found to be associated with a reduction in BMD. Positive serology for these hepatitis indicators may increase the risk of reduced BMD. Of course, this conclusion still needs to be further confirmed by more large clinical trials.

Prevalence of Osteoporosis in Cirrhosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The prevalence of osteoporosis in individuals with cirrhosis varies based on the diagnostic approach and etiology of the underlying liver disease. This systematic review aims to evaluate the prevalence of osteoporosis in individuals with cirrhosis. Electronic databases were searched for studies reporting the prevalence of osteoporosis among patients with cirrhosis. The primary outcome was the presence of osteoporosis, as determined by a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. Secondary outcomes were levels of biochemical markers of bone metabolism, including calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, and parathormone (PTH) levels. A cohort of 836 patients from 10 studies was included in the final analysis. The pooled rate of osteoporosis was 14.80% (95% CI: 14.19-15.49). Pooled levels of biochemical markers of bone metabolism were as follows: calcium 9.09 mg/dL (95% CI: 8.73-9.45), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH vitamin D) 15.41 ng/mL (95% CI: 14.79-16.03), phosphorus 15.41 mg/dL (95% CI: 2.99-3.51), and PTH 26.58 pg/mL (95% CI: 25.45-27.71). Pooled levels of liver biochemistries were: bilirubin 3.04 mg/dL (95% CI: 2.84-3.25), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 65.35 U/L (95% CI: 61.39-69.31), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 50.17 U/L (95% CI: 46.18-54.10), alkaline phosphatase 133.31 U/L (95% CI: 124.89-141.73), and albumin 3.25 g/dL (95% CI: 3.05-3.45). Cirrhosis appears to be associated with an increased risk for osteoporosis, with a pooled prevalence of 15%. This can include men and individuals younger than 50 years of age, a cohort not typically considered to be at an increased risk of osteoporosis. Levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were also significantly low. Further studies are required to evaluate the risk of osteoporosis based on the etiology and stage of cirrhosis, especially in younger males, to incorporate this into future prediction models for fragility fractures.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and osteoporosis: A potential association with therapeutic implications

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and osteoporosis are two highly prevalent metabolic diseases. Increasing experimental evidence supports a pathophysiological link between NAFLD and osteoporosis. A key feature could be chronic, low-grade inflammation, which characterizes NAFLD and possibly affects bone metabolism. In this context, several factors, including but not limited to receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand, osteoprotegerin, osteopontin and osteocalcin, may serve as mediators. In the clinical setting, most but not all epidemiological evidence indicates that NAFLD is associated with lower bone mineral density or osteoporosis in adults. Although an association between NAFLD and osteoporosis has not yet been established, and thus remains speculative, pharmacological considerations already exist. Some of the current and emerging pharmacological options for NAFLD have shown possible anti-osteoporotic properties (eg, vitamin E, obeticholic acid, semaglutide), while others (eg, pioglitazone, canagliflozin) have been associated with increased risk of fractures and may be avoided in patients with NAFLD and concomitant osteoporosis, especially those at high fracture risk. Conversely, some anti-osteoporotic medications (denosumab) might benefit NAFLD, while others (raloxifene) might adversely affect it and, consequently, may be avoided in patients with osteoporosis and NAFLD. If an association between NAFLD and osteoporosis is established, a medication that could target both diseases would be a great advancement. This review summarizes the main experimental and clinical evidence on the potential association between NAFLD and osteoporosis and focuses on treatment considerations derived from this potential association.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Metabolic Bone Disease in Patients with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Data about the association between primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and metabolic bone disease are still unclear. PSC is a chronic cholestatic liver disease (CCLD) which affects the biliary tract, and it has a highly variable natural history. We systematically searched until 28 February 2022 MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the ISI Web of Science, and SCOPUS, for studies in patients with PSC. We identified 343 references to potential studies. After screening them, we included eight studies (893 PSC patients, 398 primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) patients, and 673 healthy controls) for the present meta-analysis. Pooled analyses found no difference in BMD-LS (Z = 0.02, p-value = 0.98) between PSC patients and healthy controls. BMD-LS was statistically lower in PBC patients than in PSC patients (Mean Difference, MD, 0.06, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.09, p-value = 0.0007). The lumbar spine T-score was higher in the PSC patients compared with PBC patients (MD 0.23, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.42, p-value = 0.02). Given the limited literature available, better designed, and larger scale primary studies will be required to confirm our conclusion.

Plasma pentosidine levels are associated with prevalent fractures in patients with chronic liver disease

Aim

Osteoporotic fractures negatively impact health-related quality of life and prognosis. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) impair bone quality and reduce bone strength. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between plasma levels of pentosidine, a surrogate marker for AGEs, and prevalent fractures in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD).

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 324 patients with CLD. Vertebral fractures were evaluated using lateral thoracolumbar spine radiographs. Information on prevalent fractures was obtained through a medical interview, medical records, and/or radiography. The patients were classified into low (L), intermediate (I), and high (H) pentosidine (Pen) groups based on baseline plasma pentosidine levels.

Results

Of the 324 patients, 105 (32.4%) had prevalent fractures. The prevalence of liver cirrhosis (LC) and prevalent fractures significantly increased stepwise with elevated pentosidine levels. The H-Pen group had the highest prevalence of LC (88.6%, p < 0.001) and prevalent fractures (44.3%, p = 0.007), whereas the L-Pen group had the lowest prevalence of LC (32.1%, p < 0.001) and prevalent fractures (21.0%, p = 0.007). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified pentosidine as a significant independent factor related to prevalent fractures (odds ratio = 1.069, p < 0.001). Pentosidine levels increased stepwise and correlated with liver disease severity. They were markedly high in patients with decompensated LC. In multiple regression analysis, liver functional reserve factors (total bilirubin, albumin, and prothrombin time-international normalized ratio) significantly and independently correlated with pentosidine levels.

Conclusions

Plasma pentosidine was significantly associated with prevalent fractures and liver functional reserve in patients with CLD. Pentosidine may be useful in predicting fracture risk and should be closely followed in CLD patients with advanced disease.

Cirrhosis: An evidence-based approach

ABSTRACT

The role of nurses in managing patients with cirrhosis is increasing due to the growing prevalence of the disease. This article reviews the pathophysiology, diagnosis, complications, and management of patients with cirrhosis, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based practice.

Cirrhosis: An evidence-based treatment approach

The NP's role in managing cirrhosis is increasing due to the growing prevalence of the disease. The purpose of this article is to review the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of patients with cirrhosis with an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based practice. Cirrhosis complications are also discussed.

Serum levels of sclerostin reflect altered bone microarchitecture in patients with hepatic cirrhosis

Background

Patients with hepatic cirrhosis are at increased risk of bone loss. Recent work on areal bone mineral density has reported contradictory findings. As the assessment of bone microarchitecture is complex, a search was made for correlations with new serum markers of bone turnover. Current data on serum sclerostin levels in patients with increased fracture risk are divergent and to date only one study has examined patients with hepatic cirrhosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate serum sclerostin levels and to test for correlations with microarchitecture.

Methods

This study was performed in 32 patients with recently diagnosed hepatic cirrhosis and 32 controls. The parameters of bone microarchitecture were assessed by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Sclerostin was detected via a new ELISA that detects the active receptor interaction site at loop 2 of the sclerostin core region.

Results

Sclerostin levels were slightly, but not significantly lower in the patient group, compared to controls. In contrast, patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis had significantly lower levels than the controls. A significant correlation with areal bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular microarchitecture was observed in the patient group. However, there was hardly any correlation between sclerostin and bone microarchitecture in the controls.

Conclusion

In hepatic cirrhosis, sclerostin is related to altered bone microarchitecture and lower areal BMD. In alcoholic liver disease, low sclerostin concentrations were seen.

Osteoporotic Fracture Risk and Health Care Burden in Patients With Cirrhosis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Risk factors for osteoporotic fracture as well as inpatient utilization and mortality have not been thoroughly studied in patients with cirrhosis. We analyzed data from a national database to determine fracture risk in patients with cirrhosis, specific risk factors, and the effect of fractures on health care utilization.

METHODS

We performed an observational study using serial cross-sectional data to examine fracture-related hospitalizations of patients with cirrhosis using the National Inpatient Sample from 2012 to 2013. We collected data on fracture-related hospitalizations and utilization in the form of length of stay (LOS), total hospital costs, and inpatient mortality. We used multivariate regression to determine risk factors for fracture and fracture-related mortality.

RESULTS

Patients with cirrhosis and an osteoporotic fracture had a mean LOS of 10.4 days and incurred $26,582 per hospitalization, which were statistically different from noncirrhotic patients with fracture (LOS: 6.60 d, cost: $17,918) and cirrhotic patients without fracture (LOS: 7.84 d, $18,912). Malnutrition was associated with increased odds of fracture [odds ratio (OR), 1.29; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.20-1.39] and inpatient mortality (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.12-1.76). Obesity was protective against both fracture (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.71-0.85) and fracture-related mortality (OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.59-1.14).

CONCLUSIONS

Hospitalizations for osteoporotic fractures in patients with cirrhosis are a significant source of health care burden and mortality. More attention should be paid to screening patients with cirrhosis for low bone mass. Malnutrition is associated with increased fracture risk and fracture-related mortality, representing a modifiable risk factor worthy of addressing in patients with cirrhosis.

Bone microarchitecture and bone turnover in hepatic cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis leads to bone loss. To date, information on bone quality (three-dimensional microarchitecture) and, thus, bone strength is scarce. We observed decreased bone quality at both assessed sites, independent of disease severity. Therefore, all patients should undergo early-stage screening for osteoporosis.

INTRODUCTION

Recent studies found low bone mineral density in cirrhosis, but data on bone microstructure are scarce. This study assessed weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing bones in patients with cirrhosis and healthy controls. The primary objective was to evaluate trabecular and cortical microarchitecture.

METHODS

This was a single-center study in patients with recently diagnosed hepatic cirrhosis. Thirty-two patients and 32 controls participated in this study. After determining the type of cirrhosis, the parameters of bone microarchitecture were assessed by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography.

RESULTS

Both cortical and trabecular microarchitectures showed significant alterations. At the radius, trabecular bone volume fraction was 17% lower (corrected p = 0.028), and, at the tibia, differences were slightly more pronounced. Trabecular bone volume fraction was 19% lower (p = 0.024), cortical bone mineral density 7% (p = 0.007), and cortical thickness 28% (p = 0.001), while cortical porosity was 32% higher (p = 0.023), compared to controls. Areal bone mineral density was lower (lumbar spine - 13%, total hip - 11%, total body - 9%, radius - 17%, and calcaneus - 26%). There was no correlation between disease severity and microarchitecture. Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) correlated well with parameters of cortical and trabecular microarchitecture.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatic cirrhosis deteriorates both trabecular and cortical microarchitecture, regardless of disease severity. Areal bone mineral density is diminished at all sites as a sign of generalized affection. In patients with hepatic cirrhosis, regardless of its origin or disease severity, aBMD measurements are an appropriate tool for osteologic screening.

Association between hepatitis C virus infection and osteoporotic fracture risk among postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional investigation in Taiwan

PURPOSE

Early low bone mass is a risk factor for osteoporotic fractures associated with multiple factors, including menopause and chronic liver diseases. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) also plays a major role in chronic liver disease and has many extrahepatic consequences, such as decreased bone mineral density (BMD). This study aimed to examine the hypothesis that HCV seropositivity is independently associated with menopausal BMD loss.

METHODS

This community-based, cross-sectional study was based in two rural townships in Yunlin County, Taiwan. A total of 636 menopausal women aged 45-80 years who underwent annual health checks were included. Viral markers of HCV, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) scores were measured. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between various predictors and the presence of low BMD.

RESULTS

The participants (median age: 65 years) had a HCV seropositivity rate of 32.2%. BMD was significantly lower in the HCV-seropositive participants in different anatomic locations than in the seronegative individuals (lumbar spine: -1.5 vs -1.1; total hip: -0.9 vs -0.6; femoral neck: -1.2 vs -1.0; p<0.05). HCV-seropositive subjects had higher rates of major osteoporotic fractures (11.3%±7.6%vs 9.0±6.8%; p<0.001) and hip fractures (3.4%±4.7%vs 2.3±4.9%; p=0.006) and a higher risk of lower BMD (osteopenia and osteoporosis) based on a multivariable regression analysis (adjusted OR: 1.8; 95% CI 1.16 to 2.81; p=0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

HCV infection may be an independent risk factor for menopausal BMD loss and fractures predicted by FRAX.

The association between liver cirrhosis and fracture risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Liver cirrhosis (LC) was associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis; however, the association between LC and fracture risk was inconclusive. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to explore the association between LC and fracture risk.

DESIGN

To identify related literature, a systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of science and the Cochrane Library from 1965 to July 2017 without language limitation was performed. The random-effects model described by DerSimonian and Laird was used to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Eventually, 5 cohort and 3 case-control studies were identified, which included 321 035 subjects and 31 272 fracture cases. The pooled OR of the association between LC and any fracture risk, hip fracture, spine/trunk fracture and limb fracture was 1.94 (95% CI, 1.59-2.37), 2.11 (95% CI, 1.34-3.32), 2.00 (95% CI, 1.50-2.67) and 1.82 (95% CI, 1.65-2.01), respectively.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this study indicates that cirrhotic patients have an increased risk of fracture. Preventive measures should be instituted as early as possible.

Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF) System in Liver Diseases

Hepatocyte differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis are affected by growth factors produced in liver. Insulin-like growth factor 1 and 2 (IGF1 and IGF2) act in response to growth hormone (GH). Other IGF family components include at least six binding proteins (IGFBP1 to 6), manifested by both IGFs develop due to interaction through the type 1 receptor (IGF1R). The data based on animal models and/or in vitro studies suggest the role of IGF system components in cellular aspects of hepatocarcinogenesis (cell cycle progression, uncontrolled proliferation, cell survival, migration, inhibition of apoptosis, protein synthesis and cell growth), and show that systemic IGF1 administration can reduce fibrosis and ameliorate general liver function. In epidemiologic and clinicopathological studies on chronic liver disease (CLD), lowered serum levels, decreased tissue expression of IGF1, elevated production of IGF1R and variable IGF2 expression has been noted, from the start of preneoplastic alterations up to the developed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stage. These changes result in well-known clinical symptoms of IGF1 deficiency. This review summarized the current data of the complex role of IGF system components in the most common CLD (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma). Better recognition and understanding of this system can contribute to discovery of new and improved versions of current preventive and therapeutic actions in CLD.

Association between pre-sarcopenia, sarcopenia, and bone mineral density in patients with chronic hepatitis C

BACKGROUND

Preserved skeletal muscle is essential for the maintenance of healthy bone. Loss of bone mineral density (BMD) and muscle strength, considered a predictor of BMD, have been demonstrated in patients with cirrhosis, but they are poorly studied in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) without cirrhosis. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of low BMD and its association with body composition, muscle strength, and nutritional status in CHC.

METHODS

One hundred and four subjects [mean age, 50.5 ± 11.3 years; 75.0% males; 67.3% non-cirrhotic; and 32.7% with compensated cirrhosis] with CHC, prospectively, underwent scanning of the lean tissue, appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM), fat mass, lumbar spine, hip, femoral neck, and whole-body BMD by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Muscle strength was assessed by dynamometry. Sarcopenia was defined by the presence of both low, ASM/height2 (ASMI) and low muscle strength according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People criteria. The cut-off points for low ASMI and low muscle strength, for women and men, were < 5.45 and < 7.26 kg/m2 and < 20 and < 30 kg, respectively. According to the adopted World Health Organization criteria in men aged > 50 years, the T-score of osteopenia is between -1.0 and -2.49 standard deviation (SD) below the young average value and of osteoporosis is ≥-2.5 SD below the young normal mean for men, and the Z-score of low bone mass is ≤-2.0 SD below the expected range in men aged < 50 years and women in the menacme. Nutritional status evaluation was based on the Controlling Nutritional Status score.

RESULTS

Low BMD, low muscle strength, pre-sarcopenia, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity were observed in 34.6% (36/104), 27.9% (29/104), 14.4% (15/104), 8.7% (9/104), and 3.8% (4/104) of the patients, respectively. ASMI was an independent predictor of BMD (P < 0.001). Sarcopenia was independently associated with bone mineral content (P = 0.02) and malnutrition (P = 0.01). In 88.9% of the sarcopenic patients and in all with sarcopenic obesity, BMI was normal. The mid-arm muscle circumference was positively correlated with ASMI (r = 0.88; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to demonstrate that ASM is an independent predictor of BMD in CHC. Mid-arm muscle circumference coupled with handgrip strength testing should be incorporated into routine clinical practice to detect low muscle mass, which may be underdiagnosed when only BMI is used. These findings may influence clinical decision-making and contribute to the development of effective strategies to screen the musculoskeletal abnormalities in CHC patients, independently of the stage of the liver disease.

Assessment of bone mineral density in patients with cirrhosis treated with third-generation nucleos(t)ide analogues: comparison between tenofovir and entecavir

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Tenofovir and entecavir are nowadays the first-line treatment in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related cirrhosis. Both drugs were shown to be effective in HBV suppression and well tolerated. The effects of tenofovir on bone mineral density (BMD), however, were shown to worsen the rate of osteoporosis, which is already a common feature in cirrhosis. In contrast, entecavir seems to have no effect on mineral metabolism. The aim of our study was to compare the effects of nucleos(t)ide analogs on bone density in HBV-related cirrhosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fourty-eight patients were treated with tenofovir and 22 patients were treated with entecavir, and were followed prospectively from 2008 to 2013. To evaluate BMD, laboratory examinations, dual-X-ray absorptiometry, and Fracture Risk Assessment Tool were assessed.

RESULTS

During the study, no difference was found between the two groups in the plasmatic concentration of calcium, phosphate, vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, or creatinine. Dual-X-ray absorptiometry showed no difference in the T-score and Fracture Risk Assessment Tool showed no significant difference in the 10-year risk of osteoporotic fractures in the two groups. On univariate and multivariate analyses, the only predictors of osteoporosis development were the prognostic scores of liver disease and BMI.

CONCLUSION

Both tenofovir and entecavir are effective in treating HBV in cirrhotic patients. The known effects of tenofovir on BMD do not worsen osteoporotic fractures risk compared with entecavir in these patients.

Hepatitis C virus infection and risk of osteoporotic fracture: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease. Several epidemiologic studies have suggested that patients with HCV infection might have a higher risk of osteoporotic fracture. However, the data are inconclusive. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted with the aims to summarize all available evidence.

METHODS

A literature search was performed using MEDLINE and EMBASE database from inception to June 2016. Studies that reported relative risks, odd ratios, or hazard ratios comparing the risk of osteoporotic fracture among HCV-infected patients versus subjects without HCV infection were included. Pooled risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random-effect, generic inverse variance method.

RESULTS

Three studies with 362,285 participants met our eligibility criteria and were included in analysis. We found a significantly higher risk of osteoporotic fracture among patients with HCV infection with RR of 1.53 (95% CI 1.09 to 2.14).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated an increased risk of osteoporotic fracture among HCV-infected patients. Further studies are required to clarify how this risk should be addressed in clinical practice.

Reduced Serum IGF-1 Associated With Hepatic Osteodystrophy Is a Main Determinant of Low Cortical but Not Trabecular Bone Mass

Hepatic osteodystrophy is multifactorial in its pathogenesis. Numerous studies have shown that impairments of the hepatic growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-1 axis (GH/IGF-1) are common in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, chronic viral hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and chronic cholestatic liver disease. Moreover, these conditions are also associated with low bone mineral density (BMD) and greater fracture risk, particularly in cortical bone sites. Hence, we addressed whether disruptions in the GH/IGF-1 axis were causally related to the low bone mass in states of chronic liver disease using a mouse model of liver-specific GH-receptor (GHR) gene deletion (Li-GHRKO). These mice exhibit chronic hepatic steatosis, local inflammation, and reduced BMD. We then employed a crossing strategy to restore liver production of IGF-1 via hepatic IGF-1 transgene (HIT). The resultant Li-GHRKO-HIT mouse model allowed us to dissect the roles of liver-derived IGF-1 in the pathogenesis of osteodystrophy during liver disease. We found that hepatic IGF-1 restored cortical bone acquisition, microarchitecture, and mechanical properties during growth in Li-GHRKO-HIT mice, which was maintained during aging. However, trabecular bone volume was not restored in the Li-GHRKO-HIT mice. We found increased bone resorption indices in vivo as well as increased basal reactive oxygen species and increased mitochondrial stress in osteoblast cultures from Li-GHRKO and the Li-GHRKO-HIT compared with control mice. Changes in systemic markers such as inflammatory cytokines, osteoprotegerin, osteopontin, parathyroid hormone, osteocalcin, or carboxy-terminal collagen cross-links could not fully account for the diminished trabecular bone in the Li-GHRKO-HIT mice. Thus, the reduced serum IGF-1 associated with hepatic osteodystrophy is a main determinant of low cortical but not trabecular bone mass. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Risk and adverse outcomes of fractures in patients with liver cirrhosis: two nationwide retrospective cohort studies

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate fracture risk and post-fracture outcomes in patients with and without liver cirrhosis (LC).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study and nested fracture cohort study.

SETTING

This study was based on Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database that included information on: (1) 3941 patients aged 20 years and older newly diagnosed with LC between 2000 and 2003; (2) 688290 hospitalised fracture patients aged 20 years and older between 2006 and 2013.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Followed-up events of fracture from 2000 to 2008 were noted from medical claims to evaluate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of fracture associated with LC. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs of adverse events after fracture were compared among patients with and without LC RESULTS: The incidences of fracture for people with and without LC were 29.1 and 17.2 per 1000 person-years, respectively. Compared with controls, the adjusted HR of fracture was 1.83 (95% CI 1.67 to 2.01) for patients with LC. Previous LC was associated with risks of septicaemia (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.60 to 1.96), acute renal failure (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.33 to 1.99), and 30-day in-hospital mortality (OR 1.61, 95 %CI 1.37 to 1.89) after fracture.

CONCLUSION

LC was associated with higher risk of fracture; patients with LC in particular had more complications and 30-day in-hospital mortality after fracture. Fracture prevention and attention to post-fracture adverse events are needed for these susceptible populations.

Significant liver fibrosis assessed using liver transient elastography is independently associated with low bone mineral density in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Background

Metabolic bone disorders frequently occur in patients with chronic liver disease; however, the association between liver fibrosis and bone mineral density in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is unclear.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional analysis of 231 asymptomatic subjects (160 women, 61.6 years old) from a university hospital setting, between February 2012 and December 2014. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at the lumbar spine, femur neck, and total hip using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Liver fibrosis and steatosis were assessed using transient elastography.

Results

Among a total of 231 individuals, 129 subjects (55.8%) had NAFLD. BMDs at lumbar spine, femur neck, and total hip were significantly lower in patients having NAFLD with significant fibrosis, compared with patients having NAFLD without significant fibrosis (Ps<0.005). In patients with NAFLD, significant liver fibrosis revealed marked negative correlations with BMD at the lumber spine (r = –0.19, P = 0.032), femur neck (r = –0.19, P = 0.034), and total hip (r = –0.21, P = 0.016). A multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that significant liver fibrosis was independently correlated with low BMD at the femur neck (β = –0.18, P = 0.039) and total hip (β = –0.21, P = 0.005) after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, fasting plasma glucose, alanine aminotransferase, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and liver steatosis among patients with NAFLD. Using multivariable logistic regression, significant liver fibrosis was independently associated with overall osteopenia and osteoporosis in subjects having NAFLD (OR = 4.10, 95% CI = 1.02–16.45).

Conclusion

The presence of significant liver fibrosis assessed via TE was independently associated with low BMD in NAFLD subjects.

Diagnosis and Management of Cirrhosis-Related Osteoporosis

Management of cirrhosis complications has greatly improved, increasing survival and quality of life of the patients. Despite that, some of these complications are still overlooked and scarcely treated, particularly those that are not related to the liver. This is the case of osteoporosis, the only cirrhosis complication that is not solved after liver transplantation, because bone loss often increases after immunosuppressant therapy. In this review, the definitions of bone conditions in cirrhotic patients are analyzed, focusing on the more common ones and on those that have the largest impact on this population. Risk factors, physiopathology, diagnosis, screening strategies, and treatment of osteoporosis in cirrhotic patients are discussed, presenting the more striking data on this issue. Therapies used for particular conditions, such as primary biliary cirrhosis and liver transplantation, are also presented.

Cirrhosis-related musculoskeletal disease: radiological review

Musculoskeletal problems in patients with liver disease are common; however, they are not so well described in the literature. Therefore, there is a need to collate information on these disorders, as their incidence is on a constant rise and some of these pathologies can severely debilitate the patient's quality of life. These disorders are parietal wall varices with or without bleeding, spontaneous intramuscular haematoma (e.g. rectus sheath), abdominal wall hernia, anasarca, hepatic osteodystrophy, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, necrotizing fasciitis, osseous metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma etc. While portal hypertension plays a key role in disorders, in others, dysregulation of the coagulation system or a compromised immune system are responsible. Imaging plays an essential role in the assessment of these complications and awareness of these musculoskeletal manifestations is vital for establishing a timely diagnosis and planning of appropriate therapy, as these disorders can significantly impact the morbidity and mortality and also influence candidacy for liver transplantation. We herein comprehensively appraise various musculoskeletal complications associated with chronic liver disease/liver cirrhosis especially from an imaging perspective which, to the best of our knowledge, have not been collectively described in English literature.