Reduced Bone Mineral Density Persists Long-term for Patients With Hemophilia

Although reduced, bone mineral density was steady over a decade in patients with hemophilia, according to study results published in Hamostaseologie.

“Patients with hemophilia frequently suffer from a reduced bone mineral density,” wrote a research team from University Hospital Bonn in Germany. “Our data suggest that bone mineral density remains constant on a low level over the course of time though.”

The retrospective study included 33 men with hemophilia. Interested in factors that might affect bone mineral density, researchers looked at patients’ general medical history, hemophilia-associated comorbidities, joint status using the Gilbert score, calcium level, and vitamin D level. They also compared bone density measurements taken a minimum 10 years apart. 

Among patients, researchers identified 7 (21.2%) cases of osteoporosis and 16 (48.5%) cases of osteopenia. Nevertheless, bone mineral density did not significantly differ between the two measurement points.

Two factors significantly correlated with bone mineral density, according to the study. Higher body mass index was associated with higher bone mineral density, while a high Gilbert score was linked with lower bone mineral density. Viral infections, related therapies, other comorbidities, and lifestyle habits did not appear to have a significant effect.

“A risk factor of osteoporosis often found in patients with hemophilia is a vitamin D deficiency and joint destruction,” researchers wrote. “Therefore, a standardized screening of patients with hemophilia on bone mineral density reduction by collecting vitamin D blood level and assessing joint status seems appropriate.”

Reference:
Strauss AC, Muellejans P, Koob S, et al. Osteoporosis remains constant in patients with hemophilia-long-term course in consideration of comorbidities. Hamostaseologie. Published online March 2, 2023. doi:10.1055/a-1972-8983