Bone mineral metabolism in hypercalciuric urolithiasis

Abstract

Background. To study the possible modifications in bone mineral metabolism: biochemical remodeling markers, calciotropic hormones and bone mass in hypercalciuric patients, and to compare those differences to a control group. Methods. Sixy patients (29 males and 31 females) with hypercalciuria. Formation and Resorption biochemical markers: Alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, tartrate resistant acid phosphatase in blood and 24 hours urine excretion of calcium and Hydroxyprolin, calciotropic hormones (Parathormone and Calcitonin) and bone mass by DEXA were also measured. Results were compared to a control group composed by 190 males and 33 females. Results. Hypercalciuric patients had similar bone mass levels than controls, both in the lumbar spine and proximal femur with a good correlation between these two measurements. Bone remodelling biochemical markers of bone formation and resorption remained unchanged. Only with the exception of PTH, which was lower in hypercalciuric patients than in controls. Conclusions. There is no osteopenia in hypercalciuric patients compared to controls. Bone biochemical marcher of formation and resorption remained unchanged. PTH is lower in hypercalciuric patients.