Factors Affecting Bone Mineral Density in Male Patients with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Objective:Osteoporosis (OP) is one of the most frequent metabolic bone disorders worldwide, male OP is still underestimated and undertreated. Primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) is considered as an important cause of secondary OP in males and there is limited data on this condition in Turkey. This study aimed to evaluate the bone mineral density (BMD) of male PPMS patients and the possible clinical and laboratory interacting factors as well as to also define the correlation between BMD and bone turnover markers (BTM).Materials and Methods:In this study, 26 male PPMS patients and 20 age-matched healthy volunteers were evaluated by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), femoral and lumbar BMD, biochemical and hormonal tests and BTMs.Results:Demographic characteristics were statistically similar between the groups. Mean values for patient age, disease duration and EDSS score were 42.5±10.0 years, 3.5±1.5 years and 4.6±1.6, respectively. Although we found a significant difference in BMD and carboxy-terminal telopeptide levels between PPMS patients and the control group, there were no significant correlations between sex hormone binding globülin levels, EDSS, BMD scores, BTMs and other biochemical variables.Conclusion:BMD scores were lower in the patient group compared to the control group. This study highlights the importance of considering bone health in male PPMS patients and reminds that strategies should be developed as part of the management plan.

Keywords

• multiple sclerosis
• bone mineral density
• osteoporosis