Endocrine Abstracts

One of the main problems encountered with increased levels of serum PTH is decrease in bone mineral density in the long term. Secondary hyperparathyroidism due to vitamin D deficiency leads to mineralization disorders of the bones, low bone mineral density, osteoporosis and ultimately an increased risk of bone fracture in adults. In this study, we aimed to determine the reasons of secondary hyperparathyroidism for bone mineral density.

One hundred and thirteen postmenopausal women with high serum PTH levels and 43 ones with normal PTH were enrolled to the study. Serum PTH level higher than 68.3 pg/ml was considered as hyperparathyroidism. The measurements of the lumbar spine and the left femur were recorded. The mineral density (g/cm²) of the second lumbar (L) vertebra and the average mineral density of the L 1–4 vertebrae were compared statistically. Also the mineral density (g/cm²) of the left femoral neck and the average mineral density of the femoral neck, trochanteric and intertrochanteric regions were compared.

There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of menopausal age and body mass index or in terms of serum calcium levels but serum phosphorus levels were significantly lower in the study group. Serum 25-OH vitamin D levels were low in both groups. There was no significant difference in both regions (Femur and L1-4 vertebrae) in terms of bone mineral density. However, when all cases were evaluated together, the average mineral density of the L1-4 vertebrae showed a negative correlation with serum PTH levels (r=−0.175; P=0.029).

In our study, there is no significant difference between the study and control group in terms of bone mineral density and it may be related to the duration of hyperparathyroidism.