Osteoporosis in primary biliary cirrhosis of the liver

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease associated with a reduction in bone mass and deterioration of bone architecture, leading to increased fragility and subsequent low-trauma fractures in the vertebral column, hip, forearm and other bones. In literature, metabolic bone diseases such as osteoporosis and osteomalacia have been recognised as a complication of chronic liver disease, although the mechanisms of this association remain unclear. An increasing body of research data indicates a strong relationship between osteoporosis and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), which mainly results from early diagnosis of the disease, usually when it is still asymptomatic. The incidence of osteoporosis in PBC ranges from 20% to 44% and increases with the progression of the disease. Similarly, the incidence of bone fractures is high in this group of patients (10–20%). In this article, current knowledge on risk factors, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in PBC is reviewed.