Long-Term Bone Health After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Pilot Study

Abstract

This cross-sectional study was undertaken to assess metabolic bone disease by examining bone mineral density (BMD), fracture prevalence, and nutritional factors pertinent to bone in a cohort >9 years post-Rouxen-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Fifty-one subjects 9.4 to 36.0 years (mean 17.0 ± 8.1) post-RYGB provided a focused history. Dietary calcium and protein were assessed. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) BMD at the spine, hip, and radius and routine serum chemistries, magnesium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, vitamin K, and micronutrients were analyzed. Sixteen subjects provided 24-hour urine for measurement of calcium. The mean maximum weight loss was 70.3 ± 20 kg (47.4 ± 8.9%), and mean net weight loss was 46.9 ± 23.1 kg (31.2 ± 12.5%). The prevalence rates of fracture, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and vitamin D deficiency were 15.7%, 37%, and 39%, respectively. BMD was in the osteoporotic range in 27.5%. The mean calcium:creatinine clearance ratio was 0.0124 ± 0.0131. Median intakes of dietary calcium, total calcium, protein, and vitamin D were 582.5 mg, 947.5 mg, 50.2 g, and 1,000 IU, respectively. Mean Z-scores at all sites were <0 (P<.01). A negative correlation (P<.05) was noted between distal radius Z-score and net change in BMI. Net change in BMI was greater for those with osteoporosis than those without. (P<.05) Conclusion: Many years after RYGB, BMD remains lower than expected compared to an age-, sex-, race-, and weight-matched reference population and is correlated with the amount of weight lost. Deficiencies of Vitamin D and calcium are prevalent. BMD = bone mineral density BMI = body mass index Ca:Cr = calcium:creatinine DXA = dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry PTH = parathyroid hormone RYGB = Roux-en-Y gastric bypass UD = ultradistal WHO = World Health Organization.