BONE CHANGES AFTER ALCOHOL-ABUSE

  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 66  (19) , 730-734
Abstract
Bone morphometric findings in 19 heavy or moderate drinkers are compared with those in 43 non-drinkers (22 non-osteoporotic patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and 21 osteoporotic patients with femoral neck fractures (FNF)). Transiliac bone biopsy specimens were examined for assessment of trabecular bone volume and thickness, bone resorption and formation, osteoid seam length and width and the mineralization front by quantitative histomorphometry and microradiography. Trabecular bone volume and thickness were significantly diminished in the drinking group when compared with those in the 22 non-drinking patients with OA (P < 0.005 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Bone formation was significantly lower in the drinkers than in the OA group (P < 0.0005), and bone resorption was significantly greater in the drinkers than in the OA (P < 0.005) and FNF (P < 0.01) groups. In heavy drinkers bone formation was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than in moderate drinkers. The extent of the mineralization front was significantly lower in the drinking group than in the OA (P < 0.005) and FNF (P < 0.0005) groups. Osteoid seam length and width did not differ in the 3 groups. The presence of abnormal liver function test results did not significantly affect any of the parameters. Alcohol abuse is associated wtih uncoupling of bone resorption and bone formation, reduced trabecular bone volume and thickness and a mild mineralization defect.

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