THU451 Low Bone Mineral Density In A Patient With Thalassemia Minor

Abstract

Abstract Disclosure: F. Woron: None. P. Madhavan: None. Osteoporosis is a known complication of thalassemia major and thalassemia intermedia, but is not typically considered in patients with thalassemia minor. Here, we present a 74-year-old Caucasian male patient with thalassemia minor who presented to us for follow-up of osteoporosis. The patient reports a history of osteoporosis that was diagnosed prior to 2004. Additionally, he has a history of radiation exposure to his head and neck, goiter, prostate cancer status post resection in 2019, and atrial fibrillation, for which he has been on apixaban since 2021. He was treated with risedronate for his osteoporosis from approximately 2004 to about 2011 by other providers, with improvement in bone density to osteopenia. Free testosterone, parathyroid hormone, calcium, and serum protein electrophoresis levels evaluated prior to his diagnosis of osteoporosis were all noted to be normal. He has not had a fracture as an adult. He is being monitored with conservative management and currently aims for a daily calcium intake of 1000-1200 mg, including diet and supplements, and a daily Vitamin D intake of 2000 IU. He engages in frequent weight-bearing exercise. As of September 2021, his bone mineral density was osteopenic in the lumbar spine (T score of −2) and left hip (total T score of the left hip −1.6, and −1.8 in the femoral neck). The patient had no other known risk factors for decreased bone mineral density preceding the onset of his osteoporosis, and a previous workup for secondary causes of his osteoporosis etiology proved negative. Adding to one existing case report in the literature, we propose that thalassemia minor may potentially be a risk factor for osteopenia and osteoporosis, and that we should consider screening thalassemia minor patients with DXA for evaluation of bone health. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023