Microcrystalline hydroxyapatite compound in prevention of bone loss in corticosteroid-treated patients with chronic active hepatitis

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Abstract
Summary: To determine whether microcrystalline hydroxyapatite compound (MCHC) could reduce bone loss or its consequences in patients with chronic active hepatitis (CAH) on corticosteroid therapy, a controlled trial was conducted in 36 such patients over a period of 2 years. Both skeletal symptoms (back pain) and fractures were uncommon during the trial period but both showed non-significant differences in favour of the MCHC group and biochemical investigations were suggestive of a reduction in parathyroid over-activity. Continued reduction in bone mineral content of the radius (photon absorptiometry) was halted in those receiving MCHC and iliac crest bone biopsy showed a non-significant increase in trabecular bone volume. The fall in iliac crest cortical plate thickness was significantly less (P < 0.025) in the MCHC group and the results overall were consistent with a beneficial effect from MCHC in corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis.