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Horm Metab Res 2003; 35(5): 313-318
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-41308
Original Clinical
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Pregnancy-associated Changes in Bone Density and Bone Turnover in the Physiological State: Prospective Data on Sixteen Women

C.  E.  Fiore1 , P.  Pennisi1 , A.  DiStefano2 , S.  Riccobene1 , S.  Caschetto2
  • 1Division of Internal Medicine and Therapy, Department of Internal Medicine
  • 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Catania, Italy
Further Information

Publication History

Received 27 May 2002

Accepted after Revision 28 November 2002

Publication Date:
13 August 2003 (online)

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Abstract

Areal bone mineral density (BMD, g/cm2) was measured for the total body, lumbar spine and hip with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) before pregnancy and after delivery in sixteen women aged 21 - 35 years. Additional measurements included quantitative ultrasound indices (broadband ultrasound attenuation, BUA, at the calcaneus at baseline and at 16, 26, and 36 weeks of pregnancy, and postpartum) as well as biochemical markers of bone formation and resorption (measured before pregnancy and during pregnancy at 16, 22, 26, 30, 34, and 36 weeks of pregnancy and postpartum). The results of measurements were as follows: 1. Postpartum BMD showed a significant reduction in the total body (- 13.4 %), in the spine (- 9.2 %) and in the hip (-7.8 % at the femoral neck and - 9.2 % at the Ward's triangle) compared to pre-pregnancy values. 2. Biochemical markers of bone resorption increased by 26 weeks. 3. Bone ultrasound measurements that provide information on bone density before delivery did not change throughout pregnancy. A significant reduction of BUA (- 14.5 % compared to baseline) was observed postpartum only. These data would suggest that pregnancy-induced bone loss develops rapidly after the 36 week of pregnancy, possibly via enhanced bone resorption.

Key Words:

Pregnancy - Bone Ultrasonometry - Bone Mineral Density - Bone Resorption

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C. E. Fiore

Division of Internal Medicine and Therapy · Ospedale Vittorio Emanuele

Via Plebiscito 628 · 95124 Catania · Italy

Phone: +39(95)316533

Fax: +39(95)316533

Email: carmelo.fiore@tin.it