Transdermal hormone replacement therapy improves vertebral bone density in primary biliary cirrhosis: Results of a 1-year controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Retrospective studies have suggested that hormone replacement therapy may reduce the rate of bone loss in primary biliary cirrhosis, but no controlled data are available. Methods: Forty-two post-menopausal women with primary biliary cirrhosis were treated with calcium and vitamin D, either alone (n = 21) or together with transdermal hormone replacement therapy (n = 21). Bone densitometry was performed at baseline and at 1 year, and serum and urinary markers of bone turnover were measured at three-monthly intervals. Results: At entry, 17 patients (40%) had spinal or femoral osteopenia (T score -1 to -2.5) and nine (21%) had osteoporosis (T