Osteoporosis and Combination Therapy for HCV. A research study, relevant to all treaters.

[DoubleDose]

Here is a research study posted on NATAP today, which looks at the relationship between Interferon/Ribavirin therapy and Bone Mineral Density loss, Osteoporosis, etc.
One of their conclusions was that almost ALL people who treat for 12 months, using combination therapy, demonstrate osteoporsis after therapy!  (also note the comments on back pain!!!)

This study can be looked at in the light of the previous thread regarding Growth Hormone deficiency, which also causes or correlates with bone density loss.   How many on the forum have had any concerns on bone loss in recent years? Maybe a doctor looking at an X-Ray made a comment, or a dental X-Ray showed bone loss, or deterioration, etc.  Here is the study link:

http://www.natap.org/2008/HCV/022008_02.htm

DoubleDose

[sfbaygirl]

I think I need a bone density test. LL, didn't you mention the Laculose?  Amazingly, after tx while I was still recovering from tx and the other stuff, I had a horrible fall. My friend who just died, and I were at the VA getting his cancer checked out. I was so tired, I fell asleep on his shoulder. He wanted me to see his dr. so badly, that he tried to pick me up. He was pretty small and frail at this time. I was out cold. He dropped me on my side. Luckily, my asst drove us there and broke my fall. I still fell hard and was black from my waist down for 2 mos. I was in a wheel chair and a cane through Europe a month later. I can't believe nothing broke. I am fine now. No pain, nothing! My hip was hurt so bad, I was on ice for a month.  My mom just broke her hip, so I am really glad I didn't. As my age gets up there, I wonder about all this. My Dr. tested my Vit D, which I recommend. I was really low after tx! He gave me a script for it.  

Linda

[Lady Lauri]

Already planned a bone density test after tx, had one 3 yrs. ago, wonder if that's a good comparison time frame??

And my teeth have never hurt, few problems short of a root canal gone bad and need a bridge in the side. Even root canal, little pain. Past couple weeks a few teeth are hurting a lot and my teeth are very 'dull' looking. Do believe tx hurts the teeth!

LL

[Willy50]

Speaking of connecting the dots...... how about the numerous reports about teeth following TX?  The results always seem to vary from person to person however there could be a connection.  Furthermore, if there is a deficiency there may also me a series of supplements or regimens that could mitigate damage.

Unfortunately this is one of those areas where instead of blaming TX the doctors simply blame HCV.  My feeling is that there is evidence which supports that both may be the case BUT that the TX related issues are being swept under the rugs and merely dismissed as the effects of HCV.  IF there is TX related damage we need to see what it is, where it stems from and if there are solutions either pre TX, during treatment or post TX which could help us.

best,
Willy

[orphanedhawk]

I wondered since I broke both my arm and nose three and a half months after stopping tx. I've never broken any bones before and certainly have had more than my share of falls.
   I finally got a bone density test 2 weeks ago and I'm in the normal range but I didn't test prior to tx. Can't help but wonder about the connection.
  Be careful!

[DoubleDose]

Maybe we should see if any of the dots connect with the Growth Hormone deficiency studies on HCV, and the Osteoporosis study linked above.  GH Deficiency seems to cause loss of bone density, and is highly correlated with HCV, and possibly could worsen with tx, if our post-tx symptoms are any clue.

This Osteoporosis article also connects treatment to the problems with bone density, so it seems both HCV and tx are linked in different studies, to potential bone loss.  The more disturbing part is that a whole other set of symptoms accompany the growth hormone deficiency, along with the bone loss.  Maybe we all need to have more endocrinology lab work done, both pre-tx, and after, to see if we are heading in dangerous directions.  I don't think many of us have reported much in the way of pituitary, or endocrine labwork, other than the standard suspected Thyroid testing.  Maybe we are missing the more important tests!

DoubleDose

[sfbaygirl]

Interesting. My doc put me on Vit D and calcium for bones. My mom has osterporosis, I sure don't want to get it! There is a bone density test and a Vit D test we can take to check this stuff out.

Linda