OSTEOPOROSIS IN HYPERTHYROIDISM ESTIMATED BY PHOTON ABSORPTIOMETRY

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Abstract
The degree of osteoporosis in hyperthyroidism before and during treatment with carbimazole was studied by photon absorption technique of the right forearm and calcaneous. In addition, serum total Ca, serum Ca2+, serum P and serum alkaline phosphatase were determined. A group of 96 patients suffering from untreated hyperthyroidism (85 women and 11 men) was studied (79 of these patients were also followed during treatment) and compared to a control group of 157 persons (107 women and 50 men). The women were divided into 2 groups: .ltoreq. 45 yr old and more than 45 yr old. In all groups untreated hyperthyroid patients showed lower bone densities compared to the control group, but this was only significant in women. During treatment all groups showed a significant increase in density. After 3-6 mo. of treatment bone density in the calcaneus increased 12% and in the forearm 1.5%; after 6 mo.-3 yrs 33% and 31%, respectively. At that time bone density was normalized. There was no correlation between bone density in hyperthyroid patients and duration and severity of the disease. The biochemical changes were characterized by increases in serum alkaline phosphatase (26%), serum total Ca (16%) and serum Ca2+ concentration (17%) in cases of untreated hyperthyroidism. Serum P concentration did not change. A correlation was found between elevation of the alkaline phosphatase and decreased bone density.