Abstract
Summary Background and aim: Spinal cord injury (SCI) has been associated with a marked increase in bone loss and a higher incidence of skeletal fractures, however the pathogenesis and clinical management of this condition remains unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze the bone mineral density (BMD) evolution in patients with complete SCI and its relationship with parameters of bone metabolism and bone turnover markers. Methods: Patients with a recent complete motor SCI (ASIA A)(<6 months) were prospectively included. Bone metabolism parameters (calcium, phosphate, PTH and 25-OHD), bone turnover markers (bone formation: procollagen type 1 aminoterminal propeptide -P1NP-, bone alkaline phosphatase -bone AP-, osteocalcin -OC-; bone resorption: C-telopeptides of type I collagen -CTx-) and BMD were assessed in all patients at baseline and at 6 months. The results were compared with a control group. Results: 23 men with complete SCI (ASIA A) and a mean age of 38±15 years were included at 102±33 days of SCI onset. 52% had paraplegia. 12 patients were assessed at 6 months of follow-up. Patients with SCI showed a significant increase in bone turnover markers, especially P1NP and CTx, compared to controls (P1NP: 191±90 vs 51±19 ng/ml, p<0.001; CTx: 1.37±0.49 vs 0.51±0.23 ng/ml, p<0.001). At 6 months, bone turnover markers decreased (P1NP: -34%, p=0.005 and CTx: -26%, p=0.002) and BMD had a mean decrease of 12% at total femur (p=0.002) compared to baseline, with osteoporosis development in 50% of patients. Bone markers (bone AP, P1NP and OC) were negatively correlated with total femur BMD values. Conclusions: Patients with complete SCI show a marked increase in bone turnover and bone loss, especially at the proximal femur, with the development of osteoporosis being observed in 50% of these patients at 6 months of follow-up. These findings indicate the need to implement preventive measures within the therapeutic approach in these patients.
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