Bone disease after transplantation: osteoporosis and fractures risk

Arq Bras Endocrinol Metabol. 2014 Jul;58(5):484-92. doi: 10.1590/0004-2730000003343.

Abstract

Organ transplantation is the gold standard therapy for several end-stage diseases. Bone loss is a common complication that occurs in transplant recipients. Osteoporosis and fragility fractures are serious complication, mainly in the first year post transplantation. Many factors contribute to the pathogenesis of bone disease following organ transplantation. This review address the mechanisms of bone loss including the contribution of the immunosuppressive agents as well as the specific features to bone loss after kidney, lung, liver, cardiac and bone marrow transplantation. Prevention and management of bone loss in the transplant recipient should be included in their post transplant follow-up in order to prevent fractures.

MeSH terms

  • Bone Diseases / etiology*
  • Bone Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Bone Resorption / etiology*
  • Calcium / blood
  • Diphosphonates / therapeutic use
  • Heart Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Liver Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Lung Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Osteoporotic Fractures / etiology*
  • Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Vitamin D / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Diphosphonates
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Vitamin D
  • Calcium