Patients with end-stage liver disease have low bone-turnover osteoporosis, and there is often further bone loss of 20% to 30% after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Bone recovery after OLT has been reported, but data are limited. We undertook studies to determine whether bone recovery continues in the long term. Twenty-eight adult patients alive at least 5 years after OLT were studied (14 men, 14 women). Bone mineral density (BMD), serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteocalcin, and vitamin D levels were measured pretransplantation, at 3 months, 12 months, a mean of 46 months, and a mean of 85 months (range, 63 to 117 months) after transplantation. When BMD is expressed as a z score, the results were as follows: ؋0.82 ؎ 0.22 pre-OLT; ؊2.04 ؎ 0.27 at 3 months; ؊1.68 ؎ 0.24 at 12 months; ؊1.23 ؎ 0.24 at a mean of 46 months; and ؊1.0 ؎ 0.26 at a mean of 85 months after OLT. The results at 46 and 85 months were significantly greater than the measurement at 3 months after OLT (P F .05). Furthermore, mean BMD (expressed as a z score) returns to the pre-OLT level at a mean of 85 months. At final follow-up, 9 of 28 patients had elevated PTH levels, and 14 of 27 patients had elevated osteocalcin levels. Five patients had spontaneous fractures in the first 12 months after transplantation, and 5 more patients had fractures by final follow-up. Even at 7 years after OLT, there was a significant increase in BMD (expressed as a z score) compared with 3 months after transplantation. Elevation of serum PTH and osteocalcin levels in some patients suggests continuing bone remodeling.

This article reviews osteoporosis (OP) in adults with chronic liver disease. OP in this setting is characterized in general by low bone turnover. The pathogenesis is unclear but is probably not related to vitamin D abnormalities. Patients at high risk of OP include those with evidence of cirrhosis, hypogonadism, overt calcium malabsorption, steroid therapy and choleostatic liver disease (particularly primary biliary cirrhosis). OP is best managed by adequate calcium intake, regular weight bearing exercise, and the avoidance of alcohol and tobacco smoking. There is probably no reason for vitamin D supplementation. Hormonal replacement therapy when necessary is indicated in males and should be considered in females. Finally, liver transplantation has the potential to improve or stabilize OP in the median term, although it is associated with significant short-term deterioration.