Background: Patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis.
Aim: To determine the frequency and severity of Vitamin D deficiency, secondary hyperparathyroidism and low bone mass in patients undergoing HCT.
Patients and methods: Analysis of the database of patients undergoing HCT in our institution in the 2010-2015 period. We searched for patients with measurements of 25-OH vitamin D (25OHD), parathyroid hormone (PTH) and bone densitometry by double beam X ray absorptiometry (DXA) prior and up to one year after HCT.
Results: Ninety patients were included, 53 were evaluated prior to HCT and 37 after HCT. They represent 73% of all patients undergoing HCT in the period. Median 25OHD was 12 ng/ml (range 4-41.4). Ninety seven percent of patients had levels considered insufficient and 85% compatible with deficiency. Median PTH was 60.5 pg/ml (range 21-186). Forty five percent of patients had secondary hyperparathyroidism. DXA was performed in 65 patients (prior to HCT in 54 and after HCT in 11). Of these, 11% had had a low bone mineral density.
Conclusions: Patients undergoing HCT have a high risk of vitamin D deficiency, secondary hyperparathyroidism and low bone mineral density.